Ielts

1. Q: Let's talk about your hometown or village, What kind of a place is it? A: My hometown is a laid-back village on the outskirts of Beijing. It's a pretty appealing place—quiet, low-key—which dates back hundreds of years but was never known for anything special, so far as I'm aware. The immediate environment is relatively good and the soil is rather fertile. Small fields surround the village, separated here and there orchards. Most people from the village work the land. They're farmers and their ancestors have always been farmers, which naturally creates a certain mindset and character. Of course, many young people are unsatisfied with this type of life and its corresponding outlook, so some of them have chosen to leave. The village is aging rapidly and the population is decreasing.

2. Q: Do you like your hometown? Why or why not? A: Naturally I love my hometown. Small towns like mine are apt to produce really distinctive characters among the people. Local residents are familiar enough with one another that everyone finds a slightly different social role and takes her role seriously, as it is a form of her identity that allows him to deeply engage her neighbors. This, in some ways, is similar to the formation of a family, where we notice difference among each other more clearly. As a result of this phenomenon, in my view, it's often easier to find a broader range of personalities and interests in small towns than in large cities, where interaction is frequently more impersonal. I've learned more about humanity and the unique ways social life can nourish a person's character from the varied personalities that inhabit my hometown.

3. Q: Do you think your hometown is a good place for young people to live in? A: In some respects I do. While the opportunities for education and jobs in industries are perhaps not quite as numerous currently as they are in certain large cities, there are stronger demands for growth and improvement in these areas in small towns in China, to which youth and vitality could capable contribute. Additionally, because the big cities are filled with students and young workers of relatively equal abilities, they often do not get the kind of nourishing attention instrumental to the successful advancement of their skills and aptitude. My hometown certainly provided that for me, and I believe it has done the same for quite a few of my peers.

4. Q: What is the favourite food in your country? A: Traditional foods that have been prized for their connections to warm family engagements — what some people call "comfort food" — are probably what many people consider their "favourite foods". Of course I'm speaking about Dumplings and Beef Noodles, pork barbecue and Stuffed buns, relatively simple dishes that we associate with personal warmth and are everywhere in Chinese society. Many dishes that are somewhat more complex but still may be considered "simple", like KungPao Chicken and Fish-flavored pork, would have to be considered favourites, as well, otherwise I wouldn't know how to account for why they appear on every restaurant's menu in China. It should also be noted than many children today seem to love western foods.

5. Q: Do you like cooking? How often do you cook by yourself? A: Actually yes, I like cooking a great deal, although I wouldn't say I'm especially competent in the kitchen. I cook for myself frequently in order to save money and to give myself time to wind down every day when I return from school or work. Cooking is a terrific way to regulate your eating habits and get creative in ordinary circumstances.

6. Q: Who cooks in your family? A: In many Chinese families, the mother is the person who cooks most, and my family is no exception. My mother is good at cooking. She can make different kinds of delicious dishes. Specially in festivals, she always cooks some traditional foods for us. When I live in the dorm, I often miss my mother's cooking.

7. Q: What do you think is the healthy diet? A: I think a healthy diet should include all essential nutrients for people's daily requirements. Additionally, it should be low in fats, which can lead to obesity and heart disease. Certain foods which are quite full of nutrients, peanuts for example, do not meet the second criterion. Staple foods such as rice or wheat ought to be consumed in moderation, keeping in mind that they can easily be stored as fat in the body unless one is very active.

8. Q: Who do you learn cooking from? A: I learn cooking from my mother and grandmother, primarily. My grandmother is very capable in the kitchen and understands how to cook hundreds of traditional dishes. My mother is less capable but is far more interesting as an innovator in the kitchen. She taught me to just try mixing various ingredients in different proportions and see what flavors are produced. She doesn't think the kitchen should intimidate anyone. While our efforts are not always successful, we do gain a greater feel for what might or might not be interesting through this method.

9. Q: What kind of people like eating fast food? A: It is remarkable how wide-spread fast food has become in Chinese society. It has found a market among young people, who seem to be drawn to its packaging and relative sweetness, and among those who are pressured for time. I suppose the people who are drawn to fast food are generally attracted more by the environment in which it is served and the ease and comfort of its consumption. I think it is fair to say that they are people who are not overly conscious about what they eat.

10. Q: Tell me something about the biggest traditional festival in your country. A: The Spring Festival, sometimes called the Chinese New Year, is by far the largest festival in China. It is roughly as important to Chinese people as Christmas is to Christians, except that it lasts for a considerably longer time. Preparations last nearly half a month and include the cleaning of houses and purchase of new clothes. There are 15 days of traditionally scheduled activity once the festival begins. Over the festival all of one's family members gather together for companionship, traditional foods like dumplings are prepared, and gifts (traditionally red envelopes filled with money) are offered to youth.

11. Q: Do you celebrate any foreign festivals? A: Oh, absolutely. Foreign festivals have been gaining popularity in China in recent years. It seems most people my age are at least familiar with Christmas and attempt to join activities related to Christmas on Dec. 24th and 25th. While I don't think the activities necessarily reflect the meaning of Christmas for true Christians, it is an attempt on our part to show respect for diversity and to be more cosmopolitan. Also, it should not be underestimated just how appealing the colours and sounds of Christmas can be for non-westerners.

12. Q: In your culture /country do you often celebrate festivals? A: There are quite a few festivals celebrated in my country over the course of a single year, but the manner of celebration is typically less expressive. The Tomb-sweeping. Day, for example, a festival for dedicating things to one's ancestors, is usually only observed by burning a few tokens of exchange for the ancestors near their tomb or near their home. Obviously this doesn't create a very public scene. In that sense, there are many festivals acknowledged and even "celebrated" but not especially openly, publicly.

13. Q: Has your life changed in the last 10 years? And if so, in what ways? A: I've had to accept a greater burden of responsibility than I ever felt in the past. This is both challenging and exhilarating. As I've grown, I've come to realize the astounding amount of investment my parents have made in my health and success. This has driven me to me more conscious about my studies and my career. It has also surprisingly led me to become accustomed to my growing independence. While I regard my family as important as it ever has been in the past, I recognize now that my actions and the decisions I make are what will determine my career and therefore to what extent I will be able to assist them.

14. Q: How different is your life from the life of your parents? A: I have to say I haven't had to sacrifice nearly as much as they did, and that fills me with a great deal of admiration for them. I still remember my father's stories about the time when he was young. They were so remarkably frugal and conscious about not wasting any effort in meaningless activities. It seems people like myself have to keep those stories in mind, because our lives really have been blessed in comparison. I don't need to be overly concerned about how many times a week I eat out with my friends, or whether I spend too much time paying attention to fashion. They appeared to be more attentive to each detail of survival and growth than I could ever hope to be.

15. Q: Has the transportation changed over the past 20 years in China? A: An obvious change has been the increasing number of private cars being used in large and mid-sized cities, but less obvious might be the improvement in infrastructure needed to accommodate this growth. Roads have been enlarged, freeways have been added to urban grids, and a large number of highways have expanded the network of freight and transportation between cities and their surrounding areas. A change of this size to transportation systems hasn't been seen in the world since the American road systems were built after World War II. Many improvements have also been made to the rail systems, including the use of high speed trains, and air transport, which now services an enormous quantity of travelers.

16. Q: Where do you usually go for holidays? A: I rarely stay at home for the holidays. I prefer to explore our country, to travel to areas I've heard about from friends or read about in books. In the past 3 years I've toured cities in the Southwest and Northwest of China. Considering the size and diversity of our country, I wouldn't feel I could speak about it with any degree of authority unless I used my holidays to gain a greater appreciation for the richness of its multiple regions.

17. Q: Do you like travelling? Why or why not? A: I like travelling very much. When I visit a new place, I can really appreciate its exotic beauty, charming scenery, and distinctive community. Travelling affords one the opportunity to connect to people in ways one otherwise may not have imagined, to. listen to stories one otherwise may not have heard, whether they are stories of other travelers one meets on one's way, or stories of the local people.

18. Q: Do you think travelling is good for children? Why or why not? A: Well, there are some obvious benefits. Children are typically curious, and travel could assist in encouraging that natural curiosity. It could also serve to challenge children with the prospect of being away from the unfamiliar and being required to face and manage challenges on their own, or at least with minimal help.

19. Q: What is your major? A: My major is accounting. I hope to get a position as an internal accountant or an auditor in the future.

20. Q: Why did you choose your major? A: When I was a child, I made up my mind to be a lawyer in the future. There were times I can recall being attracted to other fields, but law is the subject that constantly interested me. I couldn't get over the fact that law provided the basic texts for the orderly functioning of society. To me it seemed as interesting as the structures and laws of physics, only with a human component added. I had some discussions with my parents while still in high school, and they approved of my interests, so when the time came to select my major, it was really a no-brainer.

21. Q: Is there anything you don't like about your studies? A: Generally speaking, I like my major, but the examination system in my college annoys me a lot. There are too many examinations, and many of them have nothing to do with my major. I do wish we would be provided with a more specialized and practical set of skills rather than general theoretical knowledge. But I recognize that having a well-rounded education is critical to understand your field's role and value in society.

22. Q: What do you like most about your studies? A: The acquisition of knowledge is always an enjoyable thing, provided one has some sense of its application. I suppose I'd have to say that the thing I enjoy most is precisely this: trying to figure out various applications for the many theories we are exposed to. I like to look at points where different fields' converge and see if there are common concerns that would allow one to apply the knowledge gathered from one area of study to another. That's why having a well-rounded education is critical.

23. Q: What are the most fashionable clothes in China now? A: The overwhelming majority of people are interested in simple, casual leisure wear. These clothes may be purchased in an extensive variety of styles and colours at an affordable price. And, since clothes of this type by and large complement each other, people are able to mix and match them as they see fit. They also generally make people look younger and more active, without sacrificing comfort.

24. Q: When you were a student, what did you normally wear in school? A: The schools I attended not have strict dress codes, but at the middle school level I often wore a uniform, even though it wasn't mandatory. It just seemed simpler not having to worry about arranging my outfit every day. By the time I entered the university, however, I could no longer dress that way, unless I wanted to become an outcast. So I chose the next-best thing: leisure clothes that were loose, comfortable, not especially stylish, and easy to put-on.

25. Q: What is the most important thing you consider when you buy clothes? A: Style is essential. Frequently what is considered stylish depends largely upon the brand, and there is something to be said for the style-security that brands provide. But a perceptive individual can recognize certain elements in fashion that occur independently of any particular brand. I believe I am able to do this fairly well. Consequently, I make my purchases primarily on a balance between brand-based trends in the market and distinctive stylishness.

26. Q: Do you think the colour of people’s clothes cart tell anything about their personality? A: It's reasonable to conjecture that people don't always select their clothing colours arbitrarily or according to seasonal trends. And, given the intimate relationship many people have with clothing, it is likely that there is an emotional component to their selection of daily wear. While I wouldn't go so far as to identify specific personality traits with specific colours, I do think one can notice general tendencies. For example, one might note that those given over to regularly wearing dark clothing tend to be more reserved, whether in the office or in school, than those habitually wearing brightly coloured garments.

27. Q: What problems or difficulties do you think you may have in Britain/Canada/Australia? A: I will probably have some trouble in communicating in Canada, because my oral English is not good. And maybe I will not quickly get used to the new way of life in Canada. Because it will be my first time in Canada, there are many things I need to learn.

28. Q: Can you imagine what life in Britain/Canada/Australia will be like? A: I am confident of living a happy life in Canada because when I planed to study Business there, I read many books about Canada and learned a lot about the country and people there. The beautiful scenery and kind people in Canada attract me most. What's more, I am prepared to face up to some troubles that I might have in Canada. I am looking forward to a new life in a foreign country.

29. Q. What do you want/intend to study? A: I plan to study education and I hope that I can get a master's degree in education in the future. I hope to learn advanced educational theories and methods, so I can apply those theories and methods to my teaching activities when I become a teacher after graduation.

30. Q: What are your goals in life now? A: Now, my goals in life are to speak English well, study in Britain, get a master's degree and find a good job. I know it's not easy to achieve those goals. I am working hard to achieve them and I am ready to deal with the difficulties I will come across when studying in Britain.

31. Q: Which university are you going to study at? A: I am going to study at the University of Melbourne. It is located in Melbourne, which is the second largest city in Australia. Historic buildings and beautiful scenery along the Yarra River attract many visitors to Melbourne. And I would like to study at the University of Melbourne because of its high teaching and scientific research level.

32. Q: What kind of differences in the cultures are you expecting between China and the country you are going to? A: That's a good question. There are many cultural differences between China and Britain. I pay more attention to the following differences. The different way of thinking may cause me to make mistakes while communicating with British. And the quick pace of life in Britain can put pressure on me.

33. Q: What do you intend to do after you graduate? A: After graduation, I will come back to China from Canada. I will try my best to find a good job in Shanghai and use what I have learned in Canada to work well. I think it's not difficult for me to find a good job if I get a master's degree in Canada.

34. Q: Are there any special places you want to visit in Britain/Canada/Australia/Nev Zealand? What are they? A: I want to visit the Gold Coast of Australia. There are many sandy beaches, theme parks and national gardens there. I also want to visit Sea World, Dream World, and Warner Bros. Movie World in particular. I think it will be wonderful for me to walk along the sandy beach, see special plants and animals in gardens and play in the amusement parks.

35. Q: What is most rewarding about learning a foreign language? A: Communicating. Learning a foreign language well means you master another communicating tool to contact with the people who can speak that language. If the biggest obstacle of communication is removed, you can talk with foreign people, live in foreign country and do business with foreign companies.

36. Q: What aspect of learning English do you find the most difficult? A: The most difficult aspect of learning English, I guess, is the grammar. There are so many different tenses, inflections, set phrases, and sometimes they have few distinctions. Besides these complicated rules, sentences are also difficult to make. They should conform to English usage as well as to the rules of grammar. I am usually confused.

37. Q: Do you think learning your native language is easier than learning .English? A: Yes. Chinese is my native language, and I have been immersed in it since I was born, so I can write, speak and read Chinese easily. But as to learning English, there are many difficulties I have to overcome. I don't think English is easy to master. We just lack the atmosphere to practice it. It is said that practice makes perfect. Without practice everyday, even though I have much related theoretical knowledge, it is just like boiling dumplings in a teapot — there is no way to get them out.

38. Q: What aspect of learning English do you find the least difficult? A: I think the least difficult aspect of learning English is word study. Through the pronunciation, I can easily memorize and spell a word, and if I know its role in speech, I know where to place it in a sentence. Besides, I like to watch English movies and listen to English songs, which can help me enlarge my vocabulary a lot.

39. Q: How do you think the traffic condition could be improved? A: I think most people are trying to find the answer as the traffic conditions are getting worse and worse in many cities. In my opinion, to develop public transportation, encourage bike riding and improve road construction are very important to relieve traffic congestion. Besides, to encourage companies to make different working arrangements to avoid the rush hour is also a good way. Implementation of the policy of work at home is also very useful.

40. Q: What are the vantages and disadvantages of the kind of housing you live in? A: The apartment is not very big, and as a result of its old age, sometimes it is a little leaky in several places on a rainy day and the soundproofing is not very satisfactory. But with the ingenious arrangement of my mother, we have a comfortable life. Besides, the neighbors are very kind and have a strong sense of responsibility, so we seldom have conflict.

41. Q: What is your father? Describe his personality and character. A: My father is a policeman. He is very responsible. As a husband, he always shares housework with my mother and buys something for her if he is not very busy. Being a father, he always squeezes time from his tight schedule for me. Of course, he spends most of his time working in the police station. Whenever he receives a telephone call from the office, he will hurry to finish his task.

42. Q: Who do you like the most, your lather or your mother? Why? A: I like my mother much more. Of course, I like them both. If I had to choose one that I like the most, I would choose my mother. Because not only does she do the same work as my father but also takes care of the children. Every morning when each of us is sleeping, she gets up, prepares breakfast and then goes to work.

43. Q: Should children live independently after they grow up? A: Yes, they should. Today some of them get used to depending on their parents and lack the ability to solve problems independently. Firstly, to be independent is helpful for a child to have a chance to see the world around him and understand better various competitions in this world. Secondly, to be independent is good for the children, because no parents can accompany their children for the whole life. It is the child himself who is responsible for his own fate. Only an independent person can live and succeed in this world.

44. Q: Should parents punish children physically? A: No, they shouldn't. As we know, almost all children like to play and probably do something wrong. Instead of punishing them physically, parents can talk with them and teach them how to do well. Moreover, children are human beings and have the same human rights as adults. It is the duty of both parents and society to protect them and their rights.

45. Q: How do you usually spend your evenings and with whom? A: I am a student now, thus I like to make my evening life simple, regular, and full. After dinner, I go to the library with my best friend and don't leave until it is closed at 21:30, It is about 20 minutes' walk from the library to my dorm, so you see I can gain two advantages in a single action: acquiring some knowledge as well as doing some exercises. Then, in the dorm, I spend about an hour surfing the Net, keeping myself in touch with what is going on around the world. Around 24:00, 1 go to bed. This life may be boring to some people, but I have my focus.

46. Q: What do Chinese people do in their spare time? A: There are two kinds of trends of how Chinese people spend their spare time: one is pure entertainment, such as going shopping, playing mahjong, playing sports, or travelling. The other is cultivating interests, such as going to a training center, or reading at home. No matter what people choose, the most important thing is that they can relax and refresh themselves.

47. Q: How do Chinese young people differ from the old in their ways of relaxing? A: There are many differences between them, maybe mainly the intensity. For example, many young people like to play tennis or squash, while old people may choose to play golf out of the limitations of physical ability.

48. Q: What's your favourite book? A: My favourite book is My Life Story, which was created by an American writer, Helen Keller in 1902. She was blind, deaf, and dumb. This book describes her own experience and her hard struggle to become a well-known writer and educator of the world. It shows us a universal truth that "Where there's a will, there's a way."

49. Q: Who is your favourite writer? A: My favourite writer is Guo Jingming, a famous Chinese writer who was born in 1983. He has published many books, such as Visionary and The Summer Still Doesn't Come. These stories go straight to my heart. I've read them many times and I'm often moved to tears while reading them. I hope he will have more books published in the near future.

50. Q: Do you read more for pleasure or to get information? A: For me, I read more to get information. I'm a busy man and always have a lot of important things to do. You see, it is impossible for me to have much time for recreation. So I am always reading with a specific purpose. For example, I often choose books pertaining to work and study. In this way, I can get significant information I need directly, so that it saves much time.

51. Q: Do you read online? A: No, I don't like reading online. Reading from computer screens is slow and laborious and takes me about 25 percent more time than reading from paper. Moreover, reading online for a long time is also bad for my eyes and health. In addition, my life is filled with interruptions. Paper books are more suitable for me, as I can keep them in my bag and pull them out to read anytime, anywhere,

52. Q: Which kind of sports do you like? Why? A: My favourite sport is basketball. I've been playing it regularly for nearly eight years, and I'm crazy about it. Basketball can be played by yourself or with other players. And it just needs a basketball stand and a ball, so it's a very convenient game to play. In addition, it's a worldwide sport; many people play. It's also an easy way to make friends in playing basketball.

53. Q: What are the common ways for the Chinese people to keep fit? A: Well, in our country people of different ages have different ways to keep fit. Most elderly people like to do Taijiquan or perform Swordplay in the morning, and do a slow dance in the evening. But young people like to run on the treadmill or do other indoor sports which are introduced from western countries in fitness centers.

54. Q: Can you tell me about any unusual sports in your country? A: Yes, of course. In my country, one of the most unusual sports is canoe jousting. It combines canoeing and jousting. First, the competitors have to row their canoes up i. to the designated starting point up the river. Then during this game, the competitors have to try to submerge the rivals' canoes in the water and all the competitors have to protect themselves from falling down into the water.

55. Q: Do you like to watch films at the cinema or at home? A: It depends on the films. If it is an action or a horror movie, I like to watch it at the cinema, because it has good sound systems and you can enjoy it on the big screen and really feel the atmosphere of the film. If I am watching other kinds of films, I'd rather be at home because I can watch it more comfortably and do whatever I want.

56. Q: What kind of films are popular in your country? A: In fact, there's no certain kind of films that is very popular in my country. People like all kinds of films: comedies, tragedies, detective films, historical films, romantic films and so on. Each type of film has its own characteristics. People can learn different things when they watch different kinds of films.

57. Q: What kind of music do you like? A: I like pop music. Because pop music is creative, we can always find new elements in pop music. And the feelings pop music expresses are very close to our daily life, so it's easy for us to understand and then resonate with the singer. You know, it is really a good choice for entertainment. Another reason is that I like the pop singer Faye Wong a lot. Her music makes me feel the charm and nice rhythm of the pop music.

58. Q: What do you think of karaoke? A: It is a good way of entertainment. With video lyric display functions, karaoke benefits people who love to sing. We can also enjoy the beauty of music with friends through it. I usually go to a KTV house with my friends on weekends. We feel quite happy and relaxed there. However, it is too noisy, for you have to turn the sound up enough to get a clear accompaniment when singing. So people should pay attention not to disturb others.

59. Q: If you had the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, what instrument would you like to learn? Why? A: I would like to choose piano. I think the music played by piano is so peaceful and sweet-sounding. We can play both soothing and elegant music on piano. Someone said that piano is a soul-calmer. I hope I can express my feelings through the piano. What's more, playing piano music can inspire my passion for daily life.

60. Q: What benefits do children gain by studying music or learning a musical instrument? A: Well, children can benefit a lot from music training. Children's brains develop quickly, and learning music helps them to use many parts of brain, in turn, these have a great effect on children's intelligence. It is an accepted fact that music education can improve children's ability in reading, writing, math, and science. In addition, music training can also lift children's spirit, make children's life interesting, and prepare children for their coming social life.

61. Q: Do you think friend is important to your life? Why or why not? A: Yes, friendship means a lot to me. A true friend is always standing by your side and ready to help you. We always need someone who is willing to share something with us, no matter if it is a happy experience or a sad feeling. And we always need someone who has something in common with us. Because of these, I feel happy and comfortable staying with friends. Good friends do help me a lot in the process of growing up.

62. Q: How do you usually make friends? A: I am very active in making friends with others. If I find a person who has the same interest with me, I will go and exchange ideas with him or her. The more we talk, the better we know each other. Thus friendship will be established. I have to say that all the thing should be done with honesty, for it is the most important thing in friendship.

63. Q: Do you think we can make true friends through the Internet? A: Yes, I believe true friendship is available on the Internet. People tend to show the real side of themselves on the Internet. They get to know each other faster if they are sincere enough online. Thus they may find more in common with each other. As I know, many people find their best friends through the Internet.

64. Q: Can parents become friends of the children? A: Yes, they can. Parents are always willing to be friends of their children; they are attentive to the needs of their children and want to know their children as well as they can. Children also hope to be understood by their parents. Friendships enable more effective communication. So it is possible for parents to be friends of their children.

65. Q: Have you ever bought second-hand things? Why or why not? A: Yes, I have bought many second-hand books. As a student, I have to buy many textbooks and coaching materials. Sometimes I can't find the books I need in bookstores, however, I can find them in second-hand bookstores. Also, sometimes the books I need are so expensive that I think going to the second-hand bookstores is a good choice for me.

66. Q: Have you ever done any online shopping? Why or why not? A: Yes, I have such experiences and often do online shopping. Because online shopping allows me to shop in my own home conveniently, and to save the time of going to the retail stores which can be spent on other important tasks and hobbies. In addition, through the Internet, I can compare the prices and features of the same products easily and then make a better decision.

67. Could you talk about a memorable city you’ve visited? I've traveled throughout China and I'd have to say the city of Dalian has left me with one of the more favorable impressions of all the cities I've seen. Like St. Petersburg in the past and Shenzhen today, Dalian is a thoroughly planned new member of the major metropolises of the world. The government heavily invested in Dalian in order to counterbalance the rapid growth of the South of China with port cities in the North. As a result, it has one of the finest modernized municipal infrastructures in China, if not the world. It also boasts supremely attractive environs. It is located at the tip of Liaodong Peninsula and surrounded by the sea on three sides and by mountains on the other side. A rapidly growing city with an international style which remains attractive to overseas investment, particularly from nearby Japan and Korea, it is full of career opportunities and cultural diversity.

68. Describe an important historical place in your country. Likely the most famous historical place in China is the Palace Museum, which also called the Forbidden City. Established on the foundation of the palace that was the ritual center of two dynasties, the Ming and the Qing, it is located in the heart of Beijing on the north side of Tiananmen Square. Twenty-four emperors lived and ruled from this palace during a 500-year span. The museum currently holds their collections of treasures, but the real majesty of the place is the palace's orderly layout of space and architecture. It is designed in a series of concentric buildings leading to the center. Around each building there is considerable open space, so that the palace combines elements of opulence within the buildings and spare minimalism without.

69. Describe a special natural beauty you've seen, and explain why it is special. Last year, I went to Stone Forest with my friends. The Stone Forest (Shilin) has been known since the Ming Dynasty as the "First Wonder of the World". Walking through it, I marveled at the natural stone masterpieces and was fascinated by the intricate formations. Its magnificent, strange and mythical landscape creates a type of labyrinth that makes one more attentive of the details in one's surrounding. Each stone in the forest is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics, often suggestive of animals, plants, and even human figures. So far as I'm aware, it's the only natural landscape of its kind.

70. Talk about a foreign country you are eager to go to and explain why you are eager to go. More than anywhere else, I anticipate travelling to England. First of all, I've heard the English countryside, especially in the south, is very beautiful. I would love to visit places as mundane as the fens of Essex and as dramatic the White Cliffs of Dover. Secondly, I've a special attraction towards England's capital city, London. There are so many famous places that I have heard or read about, like Trafalgar Square, the Thames River, and Windsor Castle. Many of London's districts and landmarks play noted parts in English literature, which I've read extensively. If I had the opportunity, I would also like to spend some time with a typical British family to get to understand much more about their daily activities and interests. I would like to know what they eat, what they like to wear, what they do in their spare time and so on.

71. Describes a quiet place you know. With all the construction that's been going on in Beijing over the last few years, it's rather difficult to locate a quiet place in the city. Your best bet, in fact, is to find an indoor location that's well insulated from sound. But, assuming you can't do that, find an out of the way park with a dense grove to dampen the sound. One of the few quiet places I know is a small park just west of DiTan park near AnDingMen. As the crowd typically are drawn to DiTan for its historic value and activities, few persons enter or perhaps are even aware of this location. Nevertheless, it is quaint and quiet, with a small channel cutting through the grounds and a few open areas for seniors to exercise. In the evenings, locals frequently come to fish or secretly swim in the waters. The north side of the channel is primarily reserved for individuals to walk about the small groves which dot the terrain. The south side is primarily utilized for the seniors to exercise. If one plans a trip to the park in the late morning, one won't be disappointed. The north side is remarkably serene during this time of day, with only the birds' voices for company.

72. Q: Could you give some suggestions to improve the environmental quality of cities? A: The environmental quality of cities is closely connected to every citizen's life and health. Hence, improving environmental quality is crucial. For the government, it should adopt effective policies and measures to punish those who pollute, to add more flowers and trees to the streets and parks, to lower emissions from automobiles and factories, and utilize resources rationally. For common people, they should improve their environmental awareness and consciously assist the government to protect environment. They can start by making sure they don't litter and they divide their trash into recyclable and non-recyckble materials.

73. Q: What are the reasons for water shortage in parts of China? A: So far as I know, the two main reasons pertain to geography and climate, as well as human influence. Geographically, China's Northern and Western regions have been suffering severe desertification for a considerable time. Low levels of rainwater and river or lake water associated with desertification means that more ground water must be used to provide water to industries and ensure the agricultural survival of the region. Obviously, over time, this reduces the ground-water resources of the region. The human influence primarily comes from pollution and wastefulness. As industries boomed over the past decade, the mismanagement of water consumption became commonplace. Further, the cost of water was minimal, and as a result, people and industries overused a precious resource.

74. Q: Should a public museum be open to all visitors free of charge? A: If it is to be truly public and for the public good, then yes it should be free of charge. I regard a public museum in much the same way I do a public library. They are both storehouses in which information is compiled and cared for that should not be heavily dependent upon the demands of the market. Charging a fee may encourage museums to generate revenue by selecting more sensational but less intrinsically valuable collections. Museums must be caretakers of the rarest, most valuable cultural material, even and especially if that material is not well-known. It's far more likely for a museum to have an impact on making material known if it can reach a larger audience, if there are no obstacles to admission.

75. Q: What measures does your government take to protect natural scenery? A: The government has laid down detailed regulations and established protected zones. They've also taken full advantage of the media to give wide coverage to virtues of environmental preservation, educating people to realize the significance of natural environment and be conscious of protecting it. In recent years, the government has further allowed NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) which focus on environmental protection more influence throughout the country.

76. Q: Should more places for daily leisure be built in cities? A: We should build them insofar as there is a need. I'm not sure that need any longer ' exists in many respects in China's modern cities. There is already an extraordinary range of activities that individuals are able to perform on public grounds, and it would seem private establishments are competing with them on a number of fronts. Each year scores of new gyms open—cafes, art houses, and restaurants too, so we should consider what is precisely necessary and is not currently being provided affordably by private enterprises. One need that could use address IS the aon-existence of good quality basketball courts open to the general public.

77. Describe a café or restaurant you like. Of all the restaurants I have been to, Shihua Restaurant is probably the one I like most. Located on the street behind my university, it's larger and its menu more diverse than any other restaurant in the area. But it's still not so expensive that students can't afford it. Indeed, Shihua provides an ideal place for students to get away from the cafeteria. Clean and tidy, with stylishly minimal interior decoration and soft lighting, it represents everything the cafeteria is not. And the waiters and waitresses there are very kind; they always smile at customers and try their best to meet customers' requests. Of course, there is another reason for the popularity of Shihua Restaurant: the food. The restaurant offers a variety of local special dishes such as Sichuan cuisine, Hunan cuisine, Beijing cuisine, Guangdong cuisine, etc. Many students are able to taste the authentic flavor of their hometown.

78. Q: In your opinion, which aspect is the most important to a hotel? A: I think the service is the most important. Although the environment and facilities are factors custocmers often take into consideration, the quality of service should come first. Even though a hotel may be rated deluxe, customers will not stay in it if its service does not exceed the quality of the material surroundings. Pursuit of the principle of "Quality First, Customers First" is the key to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

79. What advantages does the school you studied in when you were a child have? I think the school I studied in when I was a child has a lot of advantages. Firstly, in the school there is a good library which has various kinds of books; we can find any book we need in the library. Secondly, as we know, almost every school has its own swimming pool, but it does not open to all the students. Our school is different. Every one, no matter if you are a student or a teacher, has access to the swimming pool. So in this aspect, it is very democratic. Besides, it has a special street which sells a lot of different snacks, so it brings much convenience to our life.

80. Name a library you have been to, and tell me what the advantages and functions the library has. I have been to many libraries, and the one impressed me a lot is my city library. In my opinion, the library has several advantages and functions. The library has reading rooms, book-lending rooms, and electronic reading rooms equipped with the most advanced facilities. In the book-lending room, we can borrow a lot of books we need. In the reading room, we are able to read various magazines and books. And the electronic reading room is a good place for us to get useful digital information. We can borrow books, enjoy reading, and also surf the Internet in the library. It provides a lot of conveniences to us.

81. Tell me something about one of the most famous buildings in your country. Well, I would like to talk about Potala Palace at Lhasa. It was built under the order of Songtsen Gampo who wanted to accommodate Princess Wencheng there and let his descendants remember his marriage with her. But the original palace was destroyed due to a lightening strike and succeeding warfare during Landama's reign. In seventeenth century under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Potala was rebuilt. And the Thirteenth Dalai Lama expanded it to today's scale. The monastery-like palace, reclining against and capping Red Hill, was the religious and political center of old Tibet and the winter palace of Dalai Lamas. Potala is composed of White Palace and Red Palace. The former is for secular use while the latter is for religious use.

82. Q: Can you tell me something about the characters of the people in your hometown? A: I think the people in my hometown have a lot of good qualities, and I am proud of them. Their most common characters are that they are very hospitable and hardworking. They like to serve guests with the best food diey have, and when a man marries, his parents will invite the whole village to a banquet for several days. They believe in becoming rich with diligence, and often lead a simple life even though the life is much better than before. Besides, they are peaceful and easily contented. They respect elders, love children and are patient with their fellows. They live in harmony in the neighborhood.

83. Q: What are the differences between high schools in urban and rural areas? A: Firstly, the teachers have unequal qualities. As a result of higher salary, more opportunities to get promoted, better medical and educational conditions, many young and knowledgeable teachers flood into cities. So, teachers in rural areas are usually much older and the information is not so updated. Secondly, high schools in urban areas have more excellent and advanced facilities. Students there can enjoy not only the convenience and high efficiency but also a colourful school life. Now quality-oriented education emphasizing creativity and practice is provided better in urban areas, while in rural areas examination-oriented education is more common.

84. Q: Should the facilities in school be open to society? A: In my opinion, the facilities should not be open to all the members in our society. First, it is not equal to those students. For students, they have studied very hard for several years until they enter the holy place. At the same time, they pay expensive tuition for their education. If people are allowed to enter the campus at will, it's no doubt the quiet study environment will be disturbed. Second, the good and the bad are intermingled in the society, and no one can ensure that they will not do any harm to the facilities and members in the school. Third, without doubt, this will add great burden to school which have had enough responsibilities. In a word, the school is a holy place, and we should maintain its pureness and nobility.

85. Q: Do you think children should have their own reoms? Why? A: Yes, I think so. Children's characteristics are different from adults’, They are active, imaginative and curious. Parents should pay attention to and respect their characteristics. A room of their own is a little heaven in which they can do what they want to do to satisfy their curiosity and imagination. Children also have privacy, which becomes a piece of their identity. They are often in their own world, and parents had better not interfere in their business.

86. Q: What roles do vou think the old and modern buildings play in society? A: They have different roles in society. Modern buildings are the symbol of the development of our technology, our economy and the whole society; they signify that we are willing to synthesize the strong points of different cultures and incorporated things of diverse nature; they are more scientific, and are good for us to live and workin. Old buildings are die epitome of the history and culture of our country; they show that we love and venerate our motherland; and they are the places of interest we are proud of.

87. Q: What are the advantages of living in a big city? A: There are many advantages of living in a big city. Big cities are always international. Living in the city we can have more opportunities to meet various people with different backgrounds and cultures and to enjoy the convenience brought by the latest development of technology earliest. Another advantage is that we will have more places available to go when we want to go to arts events or museums, as these are usually located within cities. And finally if you want to start your own business, the big city will be a better place to live in since it is easier for you to build up a network that is essential to the success of a small business.

88. Q: For people in big cities, the living space is becoming smaller and smaller. Could you recommend some possible solutions on this? A: In my point of view, a small living space is a challenge rather than an obstacle. If we are creative enough, we will be able to transform our space into a versatile, functional, and livable space. One useful suggestion I would like to make is to use each space for a dual function. For example, the living room can double as a sleeping area for guests with the addition of a pullout sofa or futon; the dining area can double as a computer work space with the inclusion of a versatile table with storage space underneath; and an entertainment center that houses your television, DVD player, and stereo equipment can also house several drawers of clothes. Keep versatility in mind when arranging our space, we can definitely enjoy a more comfortable life.

89. Describe a famous person you admire and explain why you admire this person. Thomas Edison is one of the famous people I admire most. He is a great scientist and inventor. He had made great contribution to the world. However, he was thought to be a fool by his teacher when he was young. He was just full of imagination. He was also so diligent and determined that he worked day and night. These personalities made him attractive and dazzlingly brilliant. I admire him for his enviable contribution as well. It's unbelievable that he had more than 1000 inventions in his life. I think this can be best explained by his famous saying "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration," which I have taken as my motto. Edison has been an inspiration to me and has strengthened my belief in "As a man sows, so he shall reap"

90. Why is me person you admire so famous? Albert Einstein is world-famous, and he is my favourite scientist. I admire him not only because of his contribution to science and physics, but also because of his effort to maintain peace in the whole world. His physical achievements in the science and physics field made him stand out, but his personality was also impressive. He was always ready to face any problem and took anything in hand seriously. Einstein also cared a lot about the peace of the world, and always considered the benefits for the whole mankind. As an outstanding scientist and a great man, Einstein was greatly respected by the people in the world.

91. Which well-known historical figure do you want to meet? Why? If given the chance, I would like to meet Liu Bei's chief military advisor Zhuge Liang in ancient times. Zhuge Liang was a virtuous and talented person in the period of the Three Kingdoms. He was not only the greatest militarist who helped Liu Bei found the kingdom with great ideas, but also an eloquent speaker. The more I know about him, the more curious I am. He has become a mystery to me. I am eager to know about his story and his personality as much as possible.

92. Tell about a character in a film or a TV show and explain why you like or dislike him/her. Several days ago, I watched Brave Heart. It's a famous film which has made great achievements, and it received many Oscars. It is really an excellent film and the acting is amazing. I was encouraged very much by the hero. As a brave and judicial leader, Robert Bruce was able to lead the fight for the Scots, freedom at last. I respect his strong love of his motherland, his coolness, calm and courage in a crisis and his willingness to love and hate. It's Robert who made me feel so excited that I could hardly calm down after watching the movie.

93. Describe an actor/actress in a film who has impressed you and explain why. This question reminds me of the film I saw last October, in which a young girl acted by Miriam Yeung impressed me deeply. Miriam Yeung is a famous film star and singer from Hong Kong. She is cute, frank and funny. In this film, the young girl managed to rescue her friends when they were in danger. She saved them firstly without considering her own safety. You know that her friends were in a dangerous situation in which somebody wanted to shoot them! I can't help being touched by the girl's self-giving spirit. Without the performer's virtuosity, we will never get such a vivid impression.

94. What has been done by the leader you admire? I'd like to say something about Gandhi, one of the famous leaders I admire. He is among the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the 20th century. Gandhi lived a hard life, but he still devoted his life to help Indian people fight for the equality and civil rights and helped free them from British rule through nonviolent resistance. He was the first to apply nonviolence in the political field. The Indian people called Gandhi Mahatma, meaning Great Soul, and Gandhi is honoured by his people as the father of the Indian Nation. Gandhi’s life and teaching have greatly inspired me. He is a great leader that always keeps his people in mind.

95. Q: How do you think about famous people? A: In my opinion, if you are famous, that means you shoulder more responsibilities. Famous people influence other common people a lot, especially youngsters like me. They may set examples in many aspects. For example, more and more brands tend to select celebrities who really match up with their values and gain maximum business interests. In this way, it brings great influence on public idol imitation. So their behaviors, opinions, hobbies or even beliefs may have effects on the people who admire them. Therefore, famous people are responsible not only for their careers, but also for the society.

96. Q: Do you want to be famous? What will you do if you are famous one day? A: Of course I want to be famous. That would be amazing. Does being famous mean having a lot of money? If so, when I become famous, the first thing I want to do is to travel around the world, which is my dream. Meanwhile, I will give lectures to tell the whole world what our Chinese culture is like. People need to know such a historica civilization. I am proud of being a member of this country. Besides, I will use my wealth and influence to do as much charity work as possible.

97. Q: Who is your favorite film star? Tell me about him/her. A: My favorite film star is Jackie Chan. He is a singer as well as a film star, and is one of the best -known names worldwide in the areas of kung fu and action films. In his films, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons and innovative stunts. Especially, his funny behavior in films often makes you laugh. Jackie Chan has been acting since the 1970s and has appeared in over 100 films. Chan has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

98. Q: What qualities should a leader own? A: Being a leader is glamorous, but the load of responsibility given to a leader is enormous. A leader must keep close communication with the masses and must be able to gain the support of his/her followers. A leader should be open to any advice or criticism and have the sense of self-cultivation. The leader's moral character is also involved. A leader must be farsighted, insist on what he/she believes and never easily give up. That's my understanding.

99. Describe an old man who influenced you. I'd like to talk about my grandpa. Although he has passed away many years ago, he had a great influence on me. The first lesson that he passed on is that you have to be hardworking and frugal. So I never buy things useless now. The second is that, no matter what you are doing, you have to persist. No matter how difficult your situation is, you have to try your best, when meeting challenges in life, my grandpa urged me that I should confront them actively. When I want to give up in trouble, I will recall this words that my grandpa told me. No matter what is the difficulty, there is always a way.

100. Describe a happy person around you. What makes him/her so happy? Among my friends, I think XX is the happiest person. Whenever I meet her, she is smiling and singing. She doesn't like quarreling with others, even if the conflicts between them can't be solved. She always believes that tomorrow is another day, so she never lets her unhappy time last. She says that anger is the way to punish yourself for others' errors. It's really correct. Maybe that's why she always keeps happy. In addition, she likes helping others. "If you can make others happy, you will feel happy, too," she once said.

101. Can you talk about an ethnic minority in your country? What are the Special features of it? The Miao, one of the 55 minorities in China, is famous for its distinctive national culture. One of the known subcultures is its highly-developed folk culture: nearly every Miao person can sing and dance. And another is their sacrificial rituals. Miao people used to believe in many gods, and some of their sacrificial rituals are very expensive and complicated. In west Hunan and northeast Guizhou, for instance, prayers for children or for the cure of an illness were accompanied by the slaughter of two grown oxen as sacrifices which would then be held for all the relatives for three to five days.

102. Could you describe a teenager you know? What kind of person he/she is? The teenager I want to talk about is my brother. He is the youngest child in my family, and all members of the family love him very much. In my mind, he is funny, active and energetic. Also, he is a very rebellious kid, or you can say he is a scrapper. He gets into fights easily, which makes my parents and I always worry about him. Like other teenagers, he sometimes acts irrimaturely, irresponsibly and arrogantly, but what gratifies us is that he is quite studious. Generally speaking, he is a nice, funny and naughty boy.

103. What's your character? What are the strong points of your character? I am an easy-going and optimistic person. I can get on well with everyone and I always enjoy my life. Whenever I encounter a difficulty, I would encourage myself to solve it or ask my friends for help. I would never let myself be obsessed by troubles. Even if I really get frustrated, I won't give up. At least, I can face it peacefully and learn experience and lessons from it.Additionally, I cherish old friends and I’m also willing to make new friends. I think those are the advantages of my character.

104. What do you think influences your character? And how does it influence you? I think on-going learning influences my character most. It enables me to accomplish developing many abilities and skills, cultivates my temperament, and helps me solve problems from different perspectives and with different methods. Immersed in the knowledge sea, I manage to steer myself with honesty but no hypocrisy, with steadiness but no emptiness or flippancy. It helps me process tons of information daily, helps me keep up with what's going on in the world, and thus makes me always perform confidently and optimistically.

105. Q: Is idol worship a good thing for kids? A: Well, idol worship has become very common among young people. Some people think it is bad for a student to have such worship, while I think idol worship is beneficial if it is rational. Because rational idol worship can motivate kids to make progress. Of course, to achieve this, we must make sure that kids have the right attitude towards idol worship. But what should be the right attitudes towards idol worship? The answer is to learn the good things from idols, but never let the love of the idols influence one's normal life.

106. Q: Why do many people want to be successful? A: I believe different people have different reasons if they are asked about this. But whatever reasons they may have, it can't get away from the following things. The first thing is money. Some people are striving for money in their whole life, especially the poor; because with enough money, they can live a better life. The second thing is fame, for some people who already have enough money, what they need is just a good reputation. But for some people, they want to seek neither fame nor fortune, instead they just want to fulfill a childhood dream or get recognition and satisfaction in the process for success.

107. Q: How can one achieve the balance between success in business and happiness in personal life? A: Although some people get success in business, they aren't happy in life. Because they f are always busy, most of their time is spent on business so that only a little is left for their families. They always want to earn more money and never feel satisfied. But as far as I'm concerned, people should learn to be content and happy. Just like the old saying goes "A contented mind is a perpetual feast." Everyone should remember that greediness is the root of all evil.

108. Q: What does happiness mean to you? A: To me, happiness means to live a carefree life. That's why many people think childhood is the time when they had true happiness. Because at that time they had little to worry about. I also think happiness means I can play with several good friends, and share all the sadness and merriness. Finally, I think happiness is that always having the feeling that I am useful and I can help others when they are in trouble. When other people meet difficulties and ask me for help, I would like to give them my hands. Because that means others trust you.

109. Q: Do you think money equals with happiness? A: No, happiness is the most precious thing in the world while money isn't. Money can buy many things but it cannot buy happiness. So they are not equal. We can see that many people have lots of money but don't live happily; on the contrary, some people even can't get enough to eat or wear but still live a happy life.

110. Q: What is your country’s attitude towards the minorities? A: China is a multi-ethnic country with 56 recognized ethnic groups. Although Han is the dominant one, the other 55 ethnic minorities are also important parts of the Chinese nation. Our country encourages minorities to develop as fast as they can and has made many preferential political, economical and educational policies for Han people to help the minorities.

111. Q: What is the best way of learning about other cultures? A: I think the best way of learning about other cultures is to live in that culture and be an active participant observer. For example, if we want to learn English and the culture of English-speaking countries very well, we would better go to USA, UK, Australia or other English-speaking countries and live there to personally experience the life there.

112. Q: Do you think electronic games are good for children? A: Yes. Maybe many people think that electronic games are bad for children. But in my opinion, electronic games should be considered as another form of entertainment. And most electronic games involve letters, numbers and patterns which can foster the children's identification ability. While playing, they can also exercise their reaction capacity. Besides, they often need cooperation to finish a game, so this will develop their team-spirit.

113. Q: Do you think that men and women have the same requirements for life? A: No. As long as you observe carefully, you will find that men and women have many different requirements for life. For example, men want to gain respect in life, while women want to be cherished. To men, chocolate is just another snack; but to women, it's with special meaning. Besides, men don't need three different styles of black shoes, but women hope that their shoe cabinets are full of different styles of shoes.

114. Q: What's your impression ot your childhood? A: The memories of childhood are precious. I can't forget that I clung to my mother, asking her to sing nursery rhymes to me; I can't forget that I burst into tears the first time I went to school; I can't forget the big red flower my teacher gave me... Childhood is a memory without pressure, competition and hypocrisy. In my viewpoint, it is the most innocent period of time which we cannot experience twice, and the most wonderful part of my life.

115. Q: Do you think it is easy to make friends in China? A: Yes, of course. Nowadays, with the help of convenient transportation and new and faster communication tools, we have more opportunities to meet all kinds of people and make friends with them. In addition, most Chinese people are warm-hearted and easy to get along with. And they are willing and eager to make friends with people from all over the world.

116. Q: What do you think is the most important' tMng'betwdW friends? A: I think trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will be exposed the next day. Furthermore, faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, being left out, and lonely. For a true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts and no turning away.

117. Q: What arc the difterences between the education of today and that of twenty years ago? A: In the past, many children couldn't go to school, and educational conditions were very poor. But now, things have changed a lot. On the one hand, government provides 9 years compulsory education. Each child who reaches 7 years old must go to school. On the other hand, educational conditions are better than before. Schools are much more beautiful; courses are more varied and are designed more rationally; teaching methods are more scientific; and facilities are more advanced.

118. Q: Do you think'TV is good for children's education? A: Television is now popular all over the world. Some TV programmes deliver useful and latest information, which can help children learn much about the world. And also, TV can help to amust them. As we know, everything has two sides, and TV is no exception. Many children watch TV all day long. They do not want to go over their lessons or communicate with their friends. Thus some even become nearsighted and autistic. What's more, some TV programmes are full of violence and sex, which are not good for children's development. All in all, moderate watching time and well-chosen programmes can make TV a good media for children's education.

119. Q: What's the significance of communication? A: Nobody can live without communication. It is a process of transmitting information, ideas and thoughts. In the age of information explosion, the information one can get in person is very limited, so exchanging ideas can benefit both parties. Besides, communication is the only way for us to clear misunderstandings and enhance relationship. It provides chances for us to understand the surrounding world, express love, make friends, do successful business and exchange different cultures.

120. Q: What are the differences between families in the past and today, and what have caused these changes? A: About 20 years ago, families were very large in China. Each family had at least 4 or 5 children, and several generations lived together. But nowadays families are small, especially in big cities. Because usually old people don't live with their children, there are only three people in one family. The main reason for this change is that we have the Family Planning Policy, which bans us from having more than one child. In addition, people's concepts have changed, too. Many people want to enjoy their private space, and don't like to live in or have a big family.

121. When was your most enjoyable period of time? Why did you enjoy it? The period of time I enjoyed most was visiting the Yellow Crane Tower. As we know, Yellow Crane Tower is one of the "Three Famous Towers South of the Yangtze River" and has a very long and complicated history, so I had been dreaming of visiting it for many years. I was extremely excited when I entered into the great gate. During this visit, I saw different architecture of different dynasties and climbed to the highest floor of the Yellow Crane Tower. On top of the tower, we got a panoramic view of the Yangtze River. We sang and laughed loudly and took many photos of the beautiful views around the tower. In a word, I enjoyed this visit very much.

122. Could you tell about a happy memory in your childhood? I am very happy to have this chance to look back on my childhood and share it with you. One of my happy memories in childhood was that I played with my father and two sisters on a winter day. It was an early snowy morning. When I got up and looked out of the window, I saw the trees and roofs were all covered with snow. It was so beautiful outside that my father decided to take us to the park nearby. When we got to the park, we started making snow balls at once and threw them at each other. We kept laughing and shouting. What great fun! We did not stop enjoying ourselves until my mother came to call us. It was really a happy day.

123. Q: What influence do movies have on our society? A: On the one hand, movies create hot discussion topics in the society. Movies offer people issues to talk and think about. For example, Brave Heart tells people the importance of freedom and the dignity of a country. On the other hand, instead of doing exercise or attending some other outdoor activities, people spend a great deal of time and money watching movies. It is bad for keeping good health. Moreover, some unhealthy movies have a bad impact on the development of teenagers and children.

124. Q: Do we needs to bring gifts when visiting others? A: I think it is friendly and very thoughtful to bring gifts when visiting others. The proper gift is thought to express the giver's true friendship, gratitude, and respect far better than words can. So modest gifts, such as chocolates, fruits, candies and special local products are always welcomed, Flowers are also a good choice. So you know gift giving plays a very important role in nowadays' society.

125. Q: How do stories influence the children? A: In my opinion, stories influence children greatly. Firstly, stories can help shape children's personalities and behaviors. For example, the story of Lei Feng teaches children to help others as possible as they can. The story of George Washington tells children that they should be honest. Besides, stories can also cultivate children's imagination. The endings of many stories are not clear, which leave room for children to imagine.

126. What is the most unforgettable success in your life? And when did you do it? When I was in junior school. I clearly remember the day when I won the second prize in the calligraphy contest in the same grade group. I was very excited that day. I think that was the most unforgettable success in my life. I liked handwriting in childhood, and learned from some experienced calligraphers. So I made a great progress at that time. I always stuck to practicing. When I entered junior school, my Chinese teacher asked me to take part in the competition. Finally, I succeeded.

127. When did you make the success? And why was it important to you? I made this success when I was in grade two in junior school. The success at that time meant a lot to me. Firstly, it increased my self-confidence. Since then, no matter what I was doing, I was confident of making it and held the belief that I could do it well. Secondly, it taught me a lesson: no matter what we were doing, the most important thing we needed was persistence, perseverance, and self-confidence. So when I was frustrated and discouraged, I could adjust myself well. So it was important to me.

128. Could you tell me how you make the success? Strong will, perseverance and diligence are the three essentials for my success. If a person has those three essentials, he will stick to his object no matter how difficult the process of achieving the purpose is. We have no time to waste, and our objects are not as easy as eating a piece of cake. "Where there is a will, there is a way." I think I succeed due to my hard work and persistence. To sum up, if we can stick to our aim, then we can make it.

129. What is the important decision you made? And what time did you do it? The important decision I made was my choice of majors after the 2004 college entrance examination. We had to choose a major, which was the general problem that students graduated from senior middle schools were confronted with. At that time, I had no idea of what major I should choose, so I turned to my parents and some experienced university students for help. They gave me the suggestion that I could choose English as my major since I learned English well. Finally, I made the decision and chose English as my major.

130. Q: What do you think the main changes are over the past 20 years in China? A: The past 20 years witnessed great changes in China since the reform and opening up. Firstly, the economy has been growing rapidly and the GDP has risen, and people's standard of living has been improved considerably. Secondly, science and technology have made a great breakthrough, for example, the successful launching of "Chang'El". And a lot of technical products are rapidly finding their way into thousands of households and making Chinese people happier. Anyway, there ate too many changes to talk about and I am proud that our China is increasingly prosperous and strong.

131. Q: What do you think the status of women is in China? What about women's jobs and rights? A: In general, the status of women in China has been improved considerably. Women's economic independence has promoted their status in the family and society. Many women make great efforts to protect and enforce their rights. Chinese governments also have made laws and rules to protect women's rights and take measures to ensure women's jobs.

132. Q: Do you think that your notion of happiness is changing with time? A: Yes, of course, it keeps changing at every stage in my life. When I was a child, playing with my toys and friends was happiness. When I was a student, having more free time was happiness. Now, having enough time to learn what I like seems to be the greatest happiness. In a word, in different stages, what I pursue is completely different.

133. Q: Some people think that it is good to experience new things, such as exploring new places. Do you agree? A: Yes, of course. Life will be boring if you never encounter or try new things. You will never know what the real life is unless you have explored it. Going through new experience and visiting strange places can broaden our horizon. I went to the Great Wall last summer, which was a totally strange place to me. This trip was really an instructive experience and I learned a lot from that. I think I will explore more places during my free time.

134. Q: Do you think young people can handle new experiences and new activities better than old people? A: In my opinion, I think's Yes. It can be explained as followed. Seniors usually prefer to live a stable and comfortable life. They like to stay in the place where they have been familiar with for a long time and spend everyday in doing routine work. That's what we call "falling into a rut". However, young people like to keep on trying and learning new things as they can adapt well. Many different things easily arouse young people's curiosity. So young people are more ready to welcome new experiences and accept new activities.

135. Q: What is the most difficult thing for Chinese young people? A: As far as I am concerned, they are not strong enough. They are very delicate. To some extent, they cannot face and solve difficulties well. The most possible reason is that they experience few difficult things. They are even not bold enough to have a try. Moreover, their parents always prepare everything for them, so they themselves needn't worry about anything. The result is that they can't do a lot of things independently.

136. Could you describe a popular sport in your country? Well, yoga is a very popular sport in our country nowadays. You know, yoga can have a refreshing effect on body systems including circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. It can help us develop strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic capacity. What's more, no equipment is needed in yoga except our own body. Nowadays, people are experiencing a lot of stress, they have strong need for relaxing, and yoga is a good choice for gaining a peaceful mind and refreshing body. Yoga can be used successfully in dealing with many physical problems such as insomnia, back problems, digestion problems, anxiety and obesity. Another thing should be mentioned is that yoga is non-competitive; there is no need to worry about winning or losing, it's just a way of improving physical and mental condition.

137. Could you introduce a musical group, singer or band you like? Sure, I like the Beatles very much. It was a pop and rock group from Liverpool in England and was formed in 1960. The Beatles was first known to people for leading the musical "British Invasion" into the United States. The music styles of the Beatles in 1950s were various, including rock and roll, jazz music, popular music and so on. In the 1960s, its members even became the generation's leaders with their clothes, hairstyles, and languages, I and their increasingly social consciousness extended their influence into all the society and culture. It was a pity that the band broke up in 1970, and all the four members went on their solo careers. The Beatles are one of the most commercially successful bands in popular music and the best-selling musical group in history. It sold more albums in the United States than any other band. The Beatles' original music helped define the 1960s, and their influence on pop music culture is still obvious today.

138. Which musical group, singer or band do you like in China? What kind of music do they play? I'd like to introduce Faye Wong, she is a famous Chinese singer admired by many people. She is an icon who is popular in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and even in the West. She was born in August 8th, 1969. She is not only a singer, but also a songwriter, actress and model. As one of the most famous female singer in modern China, the number of her fans has been growing rapidly. According to Guinness World Records, 9.7 million copies of Faye Wong's albums had been sold as of March 2000. She acted in several TV shows and films, for example, Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express, and she won the "Best Actress" award in 1994 because of this role. She has also been the spokeswoman of some brands such as shampoo and Pepsi-Cola.

139. Where would you like to go if you have 3 days holiday? Why would, you like to go there? If I have 3 days holiday, I would like to travel to Beijing, As the capital in China, there ate a lot of beautiful sceneries and places of historical interests we can visit. The typical sceneries such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Great Hall of the People are worth seeing, because they have special meaning in the development of China. Besides those, there are some other places we can go, for example, Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace and so on. In addition, people in Beijing are very humourous. It will be nice to have a trip there. Due to these reasons, I am always looking forward to visiting our capital Beijing.

140. Could you tell me something about a special dinner you had? Two years ago, I had a buffet dinner for free in a restaurant with several of my friends, and it was truly enjoyable. The restaurant had just started doing business, so free a dinner was provided to draw people's attention. It seemed that the food were the most delicious ones I had ever eaten in my life. We could choose many different kinds of food. I still remember every food in this restaurant and the sensation of tasty soup sliding down my throat. It didn't take long for us to fill our bellies.lt became an unforgettable experience.

141. Could you introduce a competition you have attended? The most unforgettable competition is an English competition I attended in junior school. This competition was, mainly for junior school students. It is in the form of written examination which included listening, reading, and cloze and writing. We were tested by papers. The competitors were chosen by teachers, each class would pick up five top students to join the competition. We prepared for this competition for more than two months. Every day we did a lot of practice. In the end, I won the second prize in the same group in out school. That made me feel proud of myself and be more confident in daily life.

142. Q: Do you think that young people nowadays spend too much time on studying, watching TV, and playing on computers rather than getting exercise and playing sports? A: Yes, I think that has become a more and more serious problem. Children these days have much more homework than when we were young. They have to face greater competition and pressure, so they enjoy much less outdoor activities. Many of them addicted to computer games and TV series to release them. I think we should take some measures to change this current situation.

143. Q: What role do you think music plays in our life? A: Just like other kinds of art, music has become an indispensable part in people's life. In a large sense, it has enriched our life. In addition, music can do us a lot of good. It can arouse our imagination, and can also teach us how to enjoy nature's beauty. If you listen to music, I am sure you will soon be refreshed after a hard day' s work.

144. Q: Is the weekend imnortant to peoole? A: Of course, it is important. Nowadays people benefit a lot from the two-day weekend. Generally, the advantages can be listed as follows. Firstly, people can relax thoroughly in a two-day weekend, for example, watching TV at home or going shopping. In addition, people can make use of the two-day weekend to take a short journey. Most important of all, people can do a lot of housework, for example, washing, cleaning, putting things in order, and taking care of young children or old parents. In a word, the weekend is important to people.

145. Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of holidays? A: Holidays give us more time to relax. As the saying goes, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy." A holiday is a break for some people who are under high pressure and refreshes people for further work. Holidays do not only promote awareness of going out and enjoying life, but also help boost the country's domestic consumption and tourism industry. Apart from this, people can enjoy the time with family members, or share the happiness and sadness with their friends. The disadvantage is that scenic spots throughout the country will experience unprecedented crowding and tourists actually go to see crowds of people rather than the scenic spots. What's worse, the charges may be higher and travel tickets are more difficult to buy during holidays. Most people suffer from "post-holiday syndrome" which is a general feeling of discomfort caused by a person's inability to adapt to work after the vacation.

146. Describe a saying that's useful for you and explain why it is useful. I appreciate this saying "Grasp all, lose all." I first heard about it from a book when I was still 18 years old. I think it's quite reasonable and useful. Sometimes we may want to take full advantage of all the chances around us, however, it's impossible. But when we realize this, it is already too late. The chase for those so-called glory and tides may let us miss many ordinary but valuable things in our life. This saying just tells us: If we want to live happily, we must treat everything carefully but neither too seriously nor too ambitiously. Then there will be a day when we finally find out, "Oh! We've enjoyed all the happiness in the world!"

147. Which skill or language would you like to learn but you can't? How would you learn it? I want to learn English. Because English is very useful in this era, and for a better future, I need to have good English communication skills. But my present English is very limited, so I can't learn by myself, which means I need a teacher or a tutor. I want to be taught in my home and to talk in English through face-to-face communication. The teacher just needs to bring up interesting topics and talk about them with me. During the conversation, I hope he can correct my pronunciation, and guide me to learn some words and expressions. The tutor needs to be strict, but I don't want to have the feeling of frustration, so I hope he can be good at the art of encouragement and motivation.

148. Which website do you like? How did you learn about it? I like Google, a search engine, and I am sure today everybody knows it. I learnt it from my father when I was still a senior school student. At that time, I had a strong passion in learning history, but the knowledge in the textbook couldn't satisfy me, so my father, an IT engineer, advised me to find some information in the Internet by using Google. I did as he told me and found the information I needed quickly. From then on, I began to like it, and used it frequently. This website is so useful that I'd like to recommend it to everyone I know.

149. Please describe a difficult thing that you have done well. Everyone may come across difficulties in life and work, some of them can't be overcome or handled well, but some can. In April this year when I was still at work, I received a big project which might be very important for my company. Before that I even did not know the field it was involved in. So it's clear that the project was very difficult for me, and there was no room for bargaining. The only thing I needed to do was finish the project. In the following few days, I asked relative acquaintances for advices and managed the core part of it which finally led to the successful handling of it.

150. Q: In your opinion, wriai kinu of advice is useful and should be accepted? A: Well, from my point of view, good or useful advice should be given sincerely for the progress or good development of the object. So this kind of advice should be accepted. While harmful advice will certainly do no good to us. So whenever one gets advice from others, he/she should think over whether it is good or not.

151. Q: Should married women go out to work or stav at home as housewives? Why? A: For this question, I think different people may have different opinions. But in my opinion, they should go out to work. There are two reasons. Firstly, married women going out to work can relieve the pressure of husbands on supporting the families. Secondly, if married women go to work, they will be less dependent on their husbands, in this case, even if they divorce with their husbands they can feed themselves and recover quickly. So in view of these reasons, I think women had better not give up their jobs after marriage.

152. Q: How does the Internet change the communication between people? A: Since 1995, communication has changed a lot. Before that year, more people mailed letters in the local post office which take days to reach to the receiver, but now you can send the same letter at home through Internet in seconds. And instead of worrying about the money to pay for a long distance call, you can chat free with people online from all parts of the world at anytime you want. The Internet has also enabled the deaf to be able to communicate with others better.

153. Q: Should the government interfere in the price of housing? Why? A: Yes, I think the government should interfere in the price of a house. Housing problem can influence people's livelihood. Since the price of a house is usually decided by house developers, it's possible that the price is not reasonable, especially too high. In this way, many people will have no place to live in. Therefore government's macro-control or interference is very necessary.

154. What clo you think is the importance of English? There is no doubt that English plays a vital role in the world. It is one of the most widely used languages. English is used by over three hundred million people as native language and used by many countries as a second language. Take us for example: Chinese students like us began to study English since primary school. Nowadays, even a child in kindergarten can say "Hello" to you. As one of the official languages of the United Nations, English is more and more commonly used in international trade and transport. It is said that English can be seen as the universal language in the world. It is a tool we used for communication in different fields.

155. Could you tell me a favourite class you took in school? Why do you like it? Oh, it reminds me of a class I took a year ago. That's my favourite class. The class is translation. In this class we had a professor who was not only knowledgeable in professional field, but also very gentle and humorous. I've never seen another person who has such special likeable personality. He taught in a humorous way, which made the class interesting. We felt relaxed while learning. Most students who took this class liked it very much, and I was one of them. The materials used in the class were found by our professor himself. He gave us not only theoretical knowledge on translation, but also many excellent examples. During the break time, he told us many other interesting things in daily life as well. He was our teacher in the ckss and our friends after class. I think teacher is the most important factor in a good class.

156. Q: Do you think it's important to have a universal language? A: Yes, I think it is important. There are more and more transnational activities, so effective communication is important and necessary. Language is a tool to be used for communication, and the importance of learning foreign languages is increasingly emphasized nowadays. However, I think a universal language can be a mediator between countries because it can make international communication and comprehension easier and bring people from different regions of the world with different cultures close together.

157. Q: Doyou think homework is important or necessary? Why? A: Of course it is important. First, homework is an important part of a teaching task. Teachers get the feedback from students through homework, and that enables teachers to adjust their teaching in time. Second, homework can provide students with opportunities to review what they have learned during school time, which is a good way to consolidate their knowledge. Third, it is also an efficient way to help students become independent learners, which is an important part of developing students' ability to learn.

158. Describe a story you read in school that you will never forget. The Rickshaw Boy is a story I will never forget. The story is written by a famous writer Laoshe, one of my favourite writers. I was completely shocked when I first read it. It's about a Rickshaw driver. He was a young man full of dreams. In order to earn a living, he worked very hard, no matter how hot or cold the weather is. But every time his dream was about to be realized, bad things happened, and his dreams were always defeated by the reality. This story reflected the poor living conditions of the people in China before liberation, and showed sympathy to people in the lower class who were struggling for survival. This story has been translated into different languages, and made into a film of the same title. I like it very much and have read it many times.

159. Could you talk about a book that has influenced you? The book I want to talk about is Gone with the Wind. The first time I read it, I was attracted by the story. I can't help liking Scarlett while reading it. She has many brilliant qualities. She is a brave woman. Every time she came across difficulties, she tried her best to solve the problems instead of giving up. She was also brave to shoulder responsibilities and never complained. She believed "After all, tomorrow is another day". She just did what she wanted to do, no matter what would happen. All of these gave me a deep impression and had great impacts on me. Every time I want to give up, I think of Scarlett; every time I feel disappointed, Scarlett will say "Tomorrow is another day" to me. Thanks to Scarlett, now I am growing up to be a brave and confident girl.

160. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online education? We know that there are both advantages and disadvantages of online courses. We are in a new era of learning where everything is available on the Internet. Although it is a rich source of knowledge, online learning does not suit everyone. It is best to evaluate the pros and cons of an online graduate program. I'd like to say the advantages first. Online courses are a form of distance learning. The courses are portable and available no matter where you are. You can attend online classes from anywhere as you like. You don't need to go out to a certain place for the class any more. There are many choices on line. You can choose different subjects and discuss with other students all over the country or even all over the world. It is convenient to get information. It's time and money saving. However, it also has disadvantages: Some subjects are not available online; You may not find the resources you need; since the interaction is done through e-mail or text chatting, you may not have a chance to discuss" the problem face to face. What's more, everyone knows that it is unfit to sit in front of a computer too long. Compared the advantages and the disadvantages of online education, I think it is still a good choice.

161. When you saw a painting or statue, how did you feel about it? In an art exhibition in our universities, I saw a lot of artwork by college students and teachers. What impressed me deepest among these artworks was a painting of the flower peony. It's a modern Chinese painting by a painting professor in our university. It was in modern design while painted with traditional Chinese painting methods. But it was quite different from Chinese traditional mountain-water art style. This painting borrowed something from western oil paints. The light and colours used in this painting was impressive. I believe that the peony in this painting is the most beautiful and vigorous one I have seen in arts.

162. Q: Do you like to discuss the content with others after you finish a book? A: Why not? Discussion is the best way to understand the content of the book. You can get some totally different ideas from it. Everyone has different understandings. After the communication with others, your ideas will be broadened and you will get more from the book than expected. Through discussion, you learn better, or perhaps, your communication skills or conversational ability will get improved. I like discussion, and I like to share ideas with others.

163. Q: Should computers be used in the classroom? Why? A: Yes, I think we should use computers in the classroom. It can be a helpful teaching tool. Many teaching materials can be shown through computer in a clearer and more vivid way. Instead of writing on the blackboard, a computer saves much time. It enhances the efficiency of teaching.

164. Q: Do you think it's good for children to learn art? A: Yes, I agree with the idea that children should learn art. I strongly believe that children have a gift of learning something. On the one hand, children can benefit from art training, whether it is for the purpose of enhancing their special abilities, showing off to others' parents or making achievements in certain fields. On the other hand, China possesses so many national cultural treasures, while art training for children can also help to maintain traditional arts in the modern society. So I think it is a good idea for children to learn art.

165. Could you introduce a training session you took part in? I have taken part in a training session in order to be a driving instructor. On the first day, I watched a couple of informative videos with other people in the training room and had driving assessments in the afternoon. On the second day, I learnt a lot of driving skills I had to use when teaching. On the third day, I was out on the road and drove a car following the standards. The next day, I listened to a session and learned about how to improve my teaching ability. On the last day, after a lot of practice, I could drive while giving an instructional commentary. I felt relaxed when drwing. I worked really hard and finally I passed the test. Through this training session, I am brimming with confidence in my ability as an instructor.

166. Q: What factors influence young people when they are deciding on their future jobs and careers? A: Many factors influence the young people when they are deciding on their future jobs and careers. I think the most important factor is the needs of the society. The kinds of talents the society needs will tell the young people what to do. Other factors are salary and working condition. High salary and good working condition surely can attract young people.

167. Q: What job do you think will be the most popular in the future? A: I think the most popular job in the future will be to establish one's own business. Now, many people establish their own business and succeed in many fields. For those who want to establish their own business, they think it's a challenging job. They can bring into play their talents and skills well. And they can do what they like. So more and more people like to be their own boss.

168. Q: What are the advantages of teamwork? A: Teamwork plays an important role in a modern organization. Effective teamwork can make the work finished successfully and quickly. It can combine strengths, collect ideas, divide responsibility, and create team spirit. The individuals in the team believe in cooperation, and loyalty. They work together with common goals in a friendly environment.

169. Q: Where would you prefer to work in, a big organization or a small one? A: I would like to work in a small organization. The small organization has some of the advantages that the big one doesn't have. First, the working hours in the small organization may be more flexible. Second, there has not so many strick rules which the big company usually has in many aspects. Last, working in a small organization may be less competitive and I can work under less pressure.

170. Q: Is it good for children to learn the skill of cooking? A: In my opinion, children should gradually learn to do some things that could help them to live independently. So I think it is good for children to learn the skill of cooking. But the children should be old enough to take care of themselves, so they will not hurt themselves while cooking. If children have learnt the skill of cooking, they can look j after themselves well while parents are busy or out of the home. And their parents will not worry that children can't eat well when they are far away from home sometimes.

171. Choose one of the postcards you have received, and tell me how did you feel when you received it? OK. I still remember that it was a postcard from one of my old friends. He was then travelling across the world. On the postcard there was a peaceful turquoise lake. I turned it over and found my friend's familiar scrawl in big letters on the back of the postcard, forming excited words peppered with smiley faces. I just felt like receiving a letter from the past and it inspired me with nostalgia. I peered into a framed window of potent emotions at the sublime moment. In fact, I have never received any postcards since the e-card became popular. Now receiving a postcard is a really happy thing for me.

172. Please show me the steps of making a handicraft you are familiar with. Here I would like to share the experience of making paper-cutting with you. As you may know, paper cutting is a kind of handicrafts that is very popular in some rural areas in China. Usually, it is used to decorate the house in some important occasions like the Spring Festival and Marriage ceremony. Generally speaking, it won't take long time to make it. But it also depends on what you are going to make. I learnt to make a complex animal paper cutting — the mouse. Before making it, I had to prepare: colourful paper, pencil and scissors. The first step was to draw the basic shape on the paper and then used scissors to cut the unwanted part of the paper. It requires careful ness and patience. At last, I carefully opened the paper cut and pasted on the window. It looked very lovely and vivid.

173. Give examples to illustrate the meanings of a kind of flower. Let me take rose as an example. Red roses are the most common and mean love and passion. A bouquet of red roses is an open declaration of love. The orange roses mean fascination, enchantment and are an expression of pride. A bouquet of orange roses is an excellent way to demonstrate the strong impression which that particular person left on you. Pink roses indicate friendship, love, romance and a poetic, but lack of the seriousness of red roses. The white roses are roses of brides. It shows unity, honesty, loyalty, purity and a love stronger than everything. They can be combined with red roses in a bouquet, thus uniting the love and passion.

174. Have you ever lost something? If you have, what was it? Yes, I have. Last year, on the way back home I lost my favourite book Bill Gates' Autobiography, which was a gift from my father. The book told the story of Bill Gates who strives from an ordinary programmer to the founder of Microsoft. Before it was lost, it had given me much confidence. By the way, I am also a programmer and believe that I will be mother Bill Gates in the near future. So the loss of that book made me upset for a few days.

175. Please talk about an old thing in your home. There is an antique chair in my home which my family has kept for many years. All its components, such as legs, armrests, backrest and seat are intact, but the lacquer on some parts has peeled off. It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, so it's really very old. If we sell it in an auction, we will get a large sam of money. But we will never do that. Because it was handed down from my great-grandfather, and embodies a lot of meaning that I nearly can't figure out in short time. It's our family's heirloom.

176. Q: Why do people like to take photos? A: Different people have different reasons. Some people like to take photos because they would like to share dieir travelling experience with others, and photo is a good media. Other people take photos just to record and memorize special occasions. They take photos of a wedding ceremony, birthday party or graduation ceremony in order to, record those memorable moments forever. Some parents take photos for every phase of their child's growth in order to express their deep love for the child.
177. Q: Do you prefer famous brands when you buy gifts? A: Yes. I always choose to buy brand products. As a gift, the thing should be of great usefulness and high quality. Otherwise, it is only a waste of money and the receiver may also feel disrespected. And a good brand is an insurance of good quality. Besides, people now pay more and more attention to brands. They prefer to own famous brands in order to show their taste and at the same time they can enjoy the good after-sale services of those brands.

178. Q: Which do you prefer, e-mail or letter? A: Well, it is hard to say definitely. On the one hand, e-mail is much more convenient and faster than regular letters. Our friends or workmates can receive my e-mail within a few seconds. While on the other hand, letter offers a tangible feeling of the sender's emotions. It also provides a perfect way of recalling treasured moments of the past. As a result, I think we should take the advantages of both forms.

179. Q: Can you give some examples to illustrate the art of sendine flowers? A: I agree that the sending of flowers is an art. On different occasions, your choice for flower must be varied accordingly. Here are some examples. Rose, lily and osmanthus are beautiful, elegant and aromatic, so they are the perfect keepsake and symbol of love. And if you are going to a friend's Birthday party, rose and pomegranate are good choices. They symbolize "fiery prime and the future looks bright". Your friend will definitely love them. Never try to send flowers casually. A proper kind of flowers sent at the right time will let both the sender and the receiver happy.

180. Q: Some people worry that robots will replace human beings in the future, what's your opinion? A: Well, in my opinion robots will play a large role in our life, but they will never replace us. Because they are created by human, made by human, all their actions and performance are designed by human beforehand. And the robots themselves do not have thought and emotion. On this point, they are unable to replace humans.

181. Q: Do you think the store/ market snould guarantee the quality of their merchandise? A: Yes, of course they should. On the one hand, I think it is their responsibility to sell merchandises with good quality and at the same time provide perfect after-sale services for consumers. If they and the producers can not guarantee the quality of their merchandises, how can customers' rights be protected? We would only pay for what it worth. Furthermore, some inferior merchandises could even do harm to the health and safety of customers. And on the other hand, sell high quality merchandises can attract more consumers for the store/market.

182. Q: How can a consumer protect his/ her own rights? A: If a consumer is not satisfied with the quality of goods or services, he shall contact the seller. The seller is obliged to review the complaint in 15 days and notify the consumer about the possible solution. Upon failure to reach an agreement or if the seller refuses to setde the complaint, the consumer has a right to submit a complaint to the Consumer Protection Board, who shall forward the complaint to the Consumer Complaints Committee. The consumer can contact the committee free of charge.

183. Cell phone or telephone, which is better? You know, the cell phone has many advantages, we are keen to buy it because it is easy and handy to carry. We can use the cell phone to call others anytime anywhere. With a multifunctional cell phone in hand, we can easily get on the Internet to browse some useful information, conduct e-commerce and do whatever we can do via the Internet. As to telephone, it is inconvenient to contact others when we are outside. As a student, I spend most time in library and classroom, so I would say the cell phone is my first choice.

184. Why is the bicycle more popular than the car? Compared with a car, a bicycle can give us something different. It is very convenient to ride a bike. You know, every morning when those people drive to work, they probably will sit bumper-to-bumper in the traffic jam. As to those bicyclists, it's much easier for them to weave dirough die traffic. Besides, almost everyone can afford to buy a bicycle. In addition, it won't produce any noise and pollution What's more, we can also do exercises and make our body strong by riding a bicycle.

185. Would you point out some places where mobile phones shouldn't be used? Well, as far as I am concerned, the mobile phone should not be used in some public places, such as the museum, art gallery, theatre, library, classroom and the like. In such places, we need a quiet environment. If there the mobile phone ring, it is sure that the noise will disturb others. For example, in a classroom, students are attentively listening to the teacher. Suddenly, a phone begins to ring. The ring interrupts the class and distracts the students' attention. Moreover, mobile phones can't be used in some places because the interference of the mobile phone with some equipment can bring danger to people. We all know that the phone is banned on the plane because the mobile phone can interfere with the aircraft's communication and navigation systems.

186. How about the acceptance of new technology among people around you? Most people around me hold a positive attitude toward new technology. With the development of new technology, these people can benefit a lot from it. Many technological products are widely used all over the world, which make our life more colourful. For instance, through a multi-functional mobile phone, they can watch movies, listen to music, send messages and communicate with families and friends. However, a small number of people dislike some technological products, for example, the cell phone which has many functions. Because they think more functions are useless.

187. Q: How do you restrict the use of private cars? A: There are, I think, many ways to make less people to use private cars. In order to discourage people from buying private cars, the relevant government office could increase the difficulty of getting the driver's license and the license plate. At the same time the government should improve public transportation. If public transportation is really convenient, people will find that public transportation is better and they needn't buy a car.

188. Q: What points are you unsatisfied with in the use of mobile phone? A: For me, I am not contented with mobile phone because of its two main disadvantages. To begin with, overusing mobile phone is not good for health. Scientists have found that mobile phone would probably cause brain cancer. If we talk for a long time on it, we will be prone to get a headache or ear problem. In addition, it is sometimes bothersome to use mobile phone, especially on some formal occasions. For instance, it is very inappropriate to answer a mobile phone ringing in a meeting, during a lesson, in a library or in a cinema and the like.

189. Tell the story of the film you enjoyed a lot. My favourite film is Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which stars Angeline Jolie and Brad Pitt, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a clever and engaging action comedy. I think the story is very interesting. I have watched it several times. Mr. & Mrs. Smith have been married for years but they don't know each other well enough, because they are two spies working; for two different groups. Later the two groups want to kill them for some reasons. ; Finally, they come back together and continue to live happily because of love. Julia and Pitt are both beautiful guys. I really enjoy the good scenes of their beautiful dance, going shopping together and fierce tussle. The fight in the film made me excited. The dialogues between them are very cool and humorous and make me feel relaxed. I think this film is worth watching.

190. What's your favourite type of films? My favourite are science fiction films. I love watching films. When I am free, I download films from the Internet or watch them online. I am fascinated to see films of those kinds. I like science fiction films because they can take me into a different world. I usually wonder how the filmmakers imagine the extra-terrestrial life, alien worlds, spacecraft, robots, and the life in the future. I am interested in those things. Science fiction films are full of speculative, science-based depictions of imaginary phenomena. I have watched many science fiction films such as Robot, Star Wars, the Matrix, Twelve Monkeys and so on. Those science fiction films not only show us a different world, but also remind us of protecting and improving our real world.

191. Q: Do people read books for entertainment or knowledge? A: Different books are written for different purposes, and people choose different books to read out of different aims. What people usually read depends on their interest. In general, when people are free, and want to read something to kill time, they may choose some magazines to get entertainment. But for the people who want to learn much knowledge, they often read some learning materials to get knowledge.

192. Q: Do you think newspapers will disappear in the future? A: I think newspapers will not disappear in the future. The greatest advantage of newspaper is that it is convenient for people to read and know the news just happened. We can read newspapers everywhere, anytime. As we know, many people choose to read the newspapers on the bus or subway in the morning. Where there is need of newspaper, there will be publication of it.

193. Q: What do you think of advertisements being made by celebrities? A: It is effective when an advertisement is made by celebrities, especially for a new kind of product. If an advertisement of an unknown product is made by a celebrity that consumers like, the product will be well-known in a short time. Sometimes, consumers buy the product not for the product itself, but for the celebrity. But sometimes consumers may take home some low quality products because some celebrities advertise for some products just for the sake of money and they may not use the products and not know the real quality of the products themselves.
194. If you met a person who you would like to spend a day with, what would you do with him/her? I'd like to spend a day with Yao Ming, a Chinese professional basketball player who plays for the Houston Rockets. He is currently the tallest player in NBA, at 7.6 feet. On that day, I want to play basketball with him in the center of Houston Rockets. When I play with him, I hope he can teach me some important playing skills. I also want to know about his life in America and his career in NBA as well. He is not the first Chinese to play basketball in NBA, but I'm sure he is the best one. I will express my admiration for him and sincerely hope he will achieve more success in the near future.

195. What kind of animal as a pet would you like to own? What do you think is important to take care of this pet? I'd like to own a hamster. It is a kind of mouse, but is smaller than a rat. It is easy to take care of a hamster. I only need to put it in a cage with some pet toys and take it out from time to time to let it run around the living room. The hamster doesn't run as fast as a mouse, so it would be easy for me to catch it and put it back to the cage. Food for the hamster is also simple. It likes to eat carrots, fruit and nuts. Of course, I should make sure the cage is clean and water is replenished every day. I think these points are important to take care of a hamster.

196. Describe your favourite teacher and explain why you like him/her. My favourite teacher is Martha, who is still teaching English at No. 21 Middle School. She has an ordinary looking, but has a kind heart. Her most attractive part is dark eyes with bushy eyebrows under her spectacles. She is friendly after class, but in class she is very serious and cannot tolerate any nonsense. She is also very responsible for her students and her task and puts all her heart into education. Being different from other teachers, Martha is concerned not about our marks but about our efforts. She always taught us to work hard and how to study better. So all of my classmates like her very much, including me.

197. What is your favourite colour? Does it affect you in some ways? Referring to colour, I prefer to yellow. This colour affects me to a certain extent. When I go shopping, seeing a variety of commodities, I usually don't know how to make a choice, so I'm inclined to buy some things whose colour are yellow, such as yellow clothes, yellow toys and yellow decorations. Because I think yellow is a bright colour and it always makes me feel energetic. I also like to go for a walk in the countryside in late autumn, for almost everything in the countryside becomes yellow then.

198. Q: Will people choose those who have similar personalities with them as their friends or partners? A: For this question, different people may have different opinions. If people choose friends or partners according to this standard, they may easily get along with each other. But if people choose those with different personalities as friends, they may learn a lot from each other, such as different ways of doing things and different attitudes toward the world. So, either way is OK.

199. Q: What is your view on keeping pets? A: There are both positive and negative effects of keeping pets. Keeping pets as companions is a kind of psychological support for people, especially for the aged. For kids, the process of breeding pets will help them to develop love and patience. However, keeping pets may have a bad influence on the surroundings, such as dogs barking at midnight and their wastes are here and there. Furthermore, some animals can transmit diseases.

200. Q: Is there a connection between the colour people like and their characters? A: Yes, I think so. Generally speaking, one's favourite colour can reflect his/her characters in some degree. For example, if you like orange, red or yellow, you must be an optimistic and active person, at the same time, maybe you'll enjoy life very much and are relatively easy to be a leader. But if you prefer gray and blue, you are probably shy, quiet and pessimistic and tend to follow others' instructions. If someone loves green, he/she may be determined and strong-minded.

201. What kind of living place do you want to have in the future? Here I would like to say that the place I want to live in is a small town in the east. For the living standard there is not so high, with my knowledge and skill, I can live an easy life there without worrying about money. People there are kind and friendly, after work, I can do something I am interested in and make a lot of friends there. What's more, there are many plants, streams and lanes in this town; I can feast on those various plants and beautiful sceneries. Due to its fresh air, I will be free from heavy pollution. It will be pleasant to live there.

202. Q: What kind of food can you make and how to make it? A: Since I was born in north China and grew up there, I like dumplings in my hometown best and can make them well. Actually it's quite easy to make dumplings. First, mix mild water and flour together to make dough. Second, we should prepare different vegetables, meat as well as several seasonings such as pepper, chicken essence, salt, cooking oil, and soybean oil. Then chop the meat and vegetables into tiny pieces and stir them with the seasonings. Third, cut the dough one by one into same size and roll each one into round piece. After that, wrap the stuffing in each piece. Finally, place these mouse-like raw dumplings into the boiling water. OK, it is finished, and the next step is to eat.

203. What is traffic condition like in your city? I live in Beijing. The transport here still has a long way to go. One of the biggest transportation problem is traffic jams. During the rush hour, you will see passengers and drivers waiting anxiously in buses and cars which move at a snail's pace. This problem is caused by many things. Firstly, the increase of the number of vehicles is even faster than the construction of roads. Secondly, there are not enough public buses while the number of private cars is excessive. Thirdly and most importantly, some people in the city do not obey traffic rules, especially during the rush hours and at busy intersections.

204. What kinds of public welfaije establishments does your country have? We know, public welfare establishments refer to departments, enterprises, and their facilities which directly or indirectly serve economic activities, social activities, and residents' living. In our country, they include the public transport system, electric and heat supply systems, health-care system, education system, sports and entertainment system, communication system, and park virescence system, etc. Most of them are not operated for making profits, but for serving our citizens. They are indispensable to our life.

205. Would you please describe a public event for me? I would like to talk about the National Days of Mourning for the Sichuan Earthquake victims from May 19 to May 21. Sichuan Earthquake happened at 2:28 p.m. on May 12. Tens of thousands of people lost thek family, beloved ones, houses, and even thek lives in this catastrophe. To express deep condolences to the Sichuan earthquake victims, the State Council of China declared May 19 to May 21, 2008 as National Days of Mourning. Early this morning, our National Flag was put at half-mast as the starting point of the National Days of Mourning. And the Olympic torch relay was stopped for some days. On May 19, 2008, at 2:28 p.m., all the people across the country observed a moment of silence for three minutes, and cars, trains, ships, and air defense alarm sounded aloud. I stood silently in the office with all my colleagues. Listening to the horn-blowing, I couldn't help crying. But I believe, although the disaster was terrible, unity can overcome all.

206. Which sport event would you like to see live? I want to see Olympic diving live. Seeing the performance of diving is really an enjoyable experience. The players jump from the platform or springboard with multiple twists and somersaults, is really spectacular. I like Guo Jingjing very much. She is a good diving player. Guo is called "the queen of diving". And Chinese National Diving team is known as "Dream Team". Diving is one of China's key strengths, and I hope there will be more and more Chinese medalists in the future.

207. How often do you do outdoor activities? Where do you go? I do various kinds of outdoor activities in my space time. Whenever I have time, I will in-line skating and play basketball or football in the nearby school. This happens at least three times a week.Besides, I especially like climbing mountains. I can enjoy the beauty of nature and breadie the fresh air. I usually go climbing the mountains once or twice a month.

208. Tell me something about the education system in your country. The education in China is divided into three categories: basic education, higher education and adult education. Basic education in China includes preschool education, primary education and regular secondary education. And higher education at the undergraduate level is divided into three-year and four-year programs. We have Compulsory Education Law, and it stipulates that each child have nine years of formal education. We start to go to school at the age of seven and spend six years in finishing primary school. Then after studying in junior middle school for three years and having exams in two ways, those who want to join college will choose to enter senior middle school and those who want to work will attend professional schools. Three years later, senior middle school graduates will have to take competitive exams before entering the college.

209. What's the environmental problem in the place where you live? I live in Beijing. Air pollution is the most serious environmental problem here. In the past, there were many factories in the city, which produced a lot of waste gases and polluted Beijing's air. In order to solve this problem, the government has made great efforts, moving the factories out of town, restricting policies about waste gases released by the chimneys of factories and residences, and vehicles. Though the air quality has been improved a lot and is quite satisfactory, air pollution is still an important environmental problem the Beijing government should place great emphasis on.

210. What effect does pollution have on the life of people? Pollution does great harm to public health. Take air pollution for example, in big modern cities, because there are so many factories, construction sites, cars, and machines, the air is heavily polluted. People living in big cities breathe polluted air every day. They may feel dizzy and feel out of breath. As time goes on, there will be other serious symptoms. In short, it is extremely harmful to people's health.

211. Describe a disabled person who has made a strong impression on you. Referring to the disabled, it reminds me of my former neighbor. His leg was hurt in an accident which made him become a lame person. But he didn't lose confidence in life. After that, he tried to find a job for many times, but failed. At last, he opened a repair shop and became a shoe maker. He is warm-hearted and careful. When a customer is waiting, he will talk with him, making him feel not so boring. In addition, his skill is very high, so people in the neighborhood all like to send their broken shoes there.

212. List some contents of a successful law in your country. The law I'd like to mention is the New Labor Contract Law. According to this law, if companies did not sign a contract with the employees, the companies would have to pay double salary to its Workers, and if companies did not pay the welfare fund to the workers, they could be fined. There are also severe restrictions on the use of probationary periods in the employment relationship. Probationary periods are permitted, but the length is limited. Furthermore, an employee can only be subject to a single probationary period by a single employer. Wages during the probationary period must also be no less than 80% of the contract wage. This law tries to find ways to protect the labor forces' rights and find the balance point between employers and employees.

213. Q: What do you think of the environmental protection in China now? A: The environmental protection in China now is not so good. Although China has adopted the principle of effecting coordinated development between the economy, the society and the environment, many people still don't realize how severe the environmental problem has become, and some of the government's measures are also not fully carried out.

214. Q: What can individuals do to protect the environment? A: First, we should abandon the "throw-away culture", and make use of everything to conserve energy. For example, we'd better not use the throw-away chopsticks. Second, we should call on all the people to use green environmental-protective product as much as possible. Third, we should not only protect the present plants and animals, but also plant more trees and grass.

215. Q: How do you think of the environmentalists? A: All environmentalists are brave and brilliant people. They are deeply aware of the urging needs of protecting environment and call on all people to do like them. The environmentalists spend much time and energy protecting our environment. They try their best to prevent excessive consumption, to protect the habitat of animals and plants. Without their active effort, the environment will become worse and worse.

216. Q: What is the importance of having a system of laws? A: In every area of life, man requires dkections and laws—even when driving. They are for our welfare, well-being and safety. Can you imagine how our road system would be if there were no laws and rules? It is the same to the whole society. Without a system of laws, people will do what they like to do, whether it's right or wrong. Then we will live in a tangled society and our safety can't be guaranteed. In this case, how can we live a happy and safe life?

217. Describe a traditional matter in your country. The traditional sport activity Dragon Boat Race is held around the Dragon-Boat Festival. It is a paddling sport on water with a team of paddlers sitting towards the fore and rowing a painted boat. The boat is attached with decorative dragon heads and tails. In fact, it is a variation of rowing that originated in China. The steerer either sits or stands at the back of the boat. A drummer sits at the front of the boat facing backwards, and helps set the pace of the paddle strokes by beating the drum. In addition, a bless ritual is held before the race, involving the making of offerings and the chanting of prayers to the heavenly gods. This ritual serves to ward off evil, to sanctify and bless the boats.

218. Could you describe a traditional Chinese dress? The cheongsam is a female dress with distinctive Chinese features and enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion. Easy to slip on and comfortable to wear, the cheongsam fits Chinese female's figure well. Its collar is high and usually closed, and its sleeves may be short, medium or full in length, depending on season and taste. The dress is buttoned on the right side, with a loose chest, a fitting waist, and slits up from the sides, all of which set off the beauty of the female shape. There are no accessories like belts, scarves, sashes or frills to go with it and it can be worn on either casual or formal occasions. In either case, it creates an impression of simple and quiet charm, elegance and neatness.
219. Please talk about a piece of architecture in your country. Nearly everyone has heard of the Great Wall of China. At the very beginning, the Great Wall was built mainly to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. The Great Wall is made of large stone strips, comprising walls, passes, watchtowers, castles and fortresses. Successive Chinese dynasties all had a hand in repairing, re-building, lengthening, modifying and preserving the Great Wall. As one of the most magnificent ancient defense works, the Great Wall is known as one of the wonders of the world. AE tourists now know the saying, "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man."

220. Please describe an interesting culture and explain why it is interesting. I think the French culture is very interesting. Because I believe the soft life of the French is the philosophy of life. The French are known for their propensity to spend their time on things they enjoy, and for their appreciation of the finer things in life. They are also known in the world for enjoying their lives: drinking coffee, watching movies, tasting wines, having a sunbath and so on. A life of ease and leisure in France is an art of living, not idleness. The French believe that they have a rest in order to work well, and they work in order to enjoy the life. In this sense, a soft life is the source and cause of their vigor.

221. Tell me about an economic issue that your country is facing. How it affects you personally? Our country is facing inflation. Prices of goods in grocery stores are so high that I can hardly afford. My income doesn't increase at the same rate as inflation. So I have to work -harder than before, but I find my standard of living still declining even though I am earning more. I have to pay more and more money for the same goods and services. Inflation will be also bad for my retirement planning because I will have to pay more and more to keep for the same life quality In other words, everything I buy today costs more, so I have less leftover income available to save.

222. Q: What are tre characteristics of Chinese painting? A: Chinese Painting has developed a unique style. It is painted on rice paper or thin silk with brushes, Chinese ink, and Chinese painting dye. In terms of topics, it involves portrait, landscape, flower, bird, grass and insect, etc. On image sketching, Chinese painting tends to use lines and black colour to reflect the nature, form, and structure of objects. It combines many artistic forms such as poetry, ditties, odes, and calligraphies together, facilitating the vivid delivery of body and spirit.

223. Q: Has Chinese Youth Culture westernized? A: Not completely. Although nowadays, some Chinese teenagers tend to be crazy about western things, the majority of them are still keen on traditional Chinese things. Some teenagers like to sit around in a beautifully decorated coffee shop; they like to have their hair dyed red, yellow, or even blue, which may not suit them; they wear shirts with coarse words written in English on them. However, as we know, most teenagers don't like this. In addition, more and more youths begin to pay much attention to Chinese culture. For example, they will pay a visit to the museum and watch movies of Chinese history to have a much better understanding of their motherland.

224. Q: Is history important? Do modern people pay enough attention to history? A: Yes, I think history is very important. Modern society, however, has turned its back on the past. We live in a time of rapid change and a time of progress. We prefer to define ourselves in terms of where we are going, not where we come from. Many of us think our ancestors lived in times so different from our own that they were incapable of shedding light on our experience. We do not believe that history matters, but history does matter. It has been said that he who controls the past controls the future. Our view of history shapes the way we view the present, and therefore it dictates what answers we'll offer for the existing problems.

225. Q: If you were in charge of your country's economy, what main changes would you make? A: If I were in charge of my country's economy, firstly, I will try to attract more foreign investment and import sophisticated techniques. Secondly, I will set strict principles to regulate economic actions. Last but not least, I will try every means to protect our environment and persist in taking the road of sustainable development.

226. What’s the weather like in your city? How does it affect people’s life? My city, Beijing, has the typical temperate climate with long summer and winter. Because it is far from the sea, in general it is pretty dry, especially in spring and autumn, when dust storms may appear. But in summer, it becomes very hot and rains a lot. And in winter, when it becomes very windy, the temperature may drop sharply, which may result in snowfall. Generally speaking, the four seasons in Beijing have their distinct features. And these also lead to different life styles in different seasons: people like to stay indoors to keep warm in winter, to go out late in the summer night, and to wear respirators in spring and autumn to keep from dust.

227. Q: Is there any difference about your mood when you are in different kinds of weather? A: Yes, in fact I usually have different moods in different kinds of weather. When the weather is good, such as sunny or windy days, I will feel well the whole day even if I have to meet unhappy things. But when it rains, especially in autumn and winter, I will feel disgusted and rarely smile. I can't bear too hot weather, for I am easy to be irritable and lose my temper. But I like snow, and like to walk alone in snow.

228. Q: Do you think whether the government has done enough to protect animals? A: No, I don't think so. In fact, with the high development of human civilization, more and more animals died out or are on the edge of extinction. So what the government has done is obviously far from enough. The government should try its best to advocate protecting forests, natural water resources, and any other environmental factors which animals live on. Also, the government should make laws to prevent people from hunting wild animals. Only in this way can animals be well protected.

229. Q: Nowadays, many people keep pets. What do you think of this phenomenon? A: Well, I think this phenomenon is understandable. Today many people are living alone and have big pressure, so pets such as dogs or cats can help owners keep away from loneness and relieve pressure. However, new problems emerge, especially safety problems and hygiene problems. Because pets may bite owners and visitors, if the wound can't be treated properly in time, people who are bit are easy to get infections. In addition, pets' immunity is low, and they may get sick or bring virus from other places, so owners and people who ever touch them are subject to the infection of harmful bacteria.…...

...Topic: Money can bring happiness, do you agree or disagree? (Within 300 words, at least 250 words; IELTS for GENERAL TRAINING) As the most significant symptom of wealth, possessing a large sum of money has become a unique pursuit of many people, especially young generation, around the world. They are convinced of that happiness can bought by sufficient money. However, they could neglect the fact that happiness is not just determined by one factor but many others such as your friends, relatives, and pleasant experience. In my perspective, happiness does not always increase in direct ratio to the rise of money. Focusing on the illusion that money brings happiness may have an unexpected adverse effect that may lead to a misallocation of time. For instance, when some one reflects on how money would change their sense of well-being, they would probably tempt to think about spending more time in leisurely pursuits such as seeing a three-dimensional movie or traveling abroad. But in reality, they would have to spend a large amount of time working and commuting and less time engaged in experienced happiness. On the other hand, it is undeniable that money has a brief effect on life satisfaction, particularly after we have got enough money to satisfy our fundamental need. For example, people who get richer would feel they are better than their peers. Nevertheless, they will soon make richer friends. Therefore, their relative wealth will not be greater than it was before; people quickly...

...Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1
SPEAKING PART 1:
1. DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts)
Sample answer
Tell me something about your hometown?
Well as you can probably guess I come from Taipei and I have lived here all my life, although at the moment I’m studying in another city – Taizhong. I suppose if I had to describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that it’s very crowded, maybe even one of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. It’s so congested that even the locals have problems finding their way around! Another significant characteristic is that it offers splendid examples of contemporary architecture. Actually some of the renowned landmarks are in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest building in the world. |
Well, the main thing you need to know is that…(1) + (details)…
On top of that I can also add that (2)…+ (details)…
Something else that I need to say is that (3)…so actually…(detail)
Starting-off
Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know;
Point 1
The first thing I’d like to mention is …
The main thing you need to know is …
I’d like to begin by highlighting the fact …
Point 2
In addition I suppose I should say …
Another interesting point …
Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly …..
Point 3
And I shouldn’t forget to mention that…
I guess I could also say that (it’s) sort-of ……..
Finally I’d also like to mention ……..
Practice:
Tell me something about......

...ªIdeas for IELTS topics Who is this book for? Many students have no ideas or opinions about IETLS writing topics. Even if your grammar is perfect, you will not get a high IELTS score if you do not know what to write. This book is for students who want to go into the writing exam feeling confident that they have excellent ideas, opinions and vocabulary for as many topics as possible How do you get an IELTS score of 7 or higher? The key to a high score is not grammar, it is not your use of words like “moreover” or “in addition”, and it is not your use of phrases like “this is controversial issue nowadays”. To get a high score you need to use good “topic language” (words and phrases that are related to the question topic). You need good ideas in order to answer the question well. How should you prepare for IELTS writing task 2? There is an enormous amount of advice on my website ielts-simon.com. Here is a summary of what I suggest: Spend more time preparing than testing
When you test yourself, you find out what your level is, but you do not learn anything new. You will not improve if you only write test essays. Before writing an essay, study the topic and prepare your ideas, opinions and vocabulary. Steal my ideas
If you only use the vocabulary that you already know, you will not learn anything new, and you will not improve. Practise linking my topic ideas together to write “perfect essays”. See the website for examples of how to do this. Use this book together with the......

...雅思精品班写作讲义
IELTS Copyright Reserved
2009-9-24
Task 1 (A)
• Openings
1. The graph(s) and chart(s) and table(s) , based on …( 调 查 研 究 ),
illustrate/display/unfolds a clear picture of …(主要内容) in …（地方/方面） between …
and …（时间）
2. As is reflected/revealed/shown/illustrated in the graphs, the number/percentages
surged/subsided/fluctuated/differed
of …surged/subsided/fluctuated/differed dramatically/gently + 时间
Eg.
1. This bar chart displays the number of men and women enrolled in future education in
Britain during three periods.
2. It is immediately apparent from the diagram that in 1970 the professions in Malaysia
were almost totally dominated by men.
3. As is revealed in the diagram, the number of hours per week spent on unpaid work is
unequally distributed between men and women.
4. A glance at four indicators of economic and social conditions in four countries, Canada,
Japan, Peru and Netherlands, in 2001 reflects the great differences that exist between
wealthier and poorer nations.
时间的描述
Patterns
In + 月份/年/年代
For/during + 时间段
Over the period … to …
From…to…/between…and…
At the end of the year/century
Until…
Before/after/around/about
�
�
�
�
Examples
In 1980s
In the period between … and …
During the first/second half of the year
During the remainder of the year
Over a ten year period/ over a decade
Throughout the 19th century
From 1980 onwards till…
Endings
Endings
From the diagram it can be safely concluded that_________.
As a whole/In general/To sum up/In conclusion/In......

...How to prepare for IELTS - Writing
Contents
Page
Details of the writing test Task 1 Bar and line graphs, pie charts & tables Process or flow charts Objects/how something works How to prepare for Task 1 Task 2 Questions How to prepare for Task 2 General tips for writing
2 2 4 7 9 10 13 14 17 19
Make sure you have a copy of the How to prepare for IELTS – FAQs booklet in addition to this booklet.
1
How to prepare for IELTS - Writing
Details of the Writing Test Procedure of the test
The writing test is the third test you do on the test day. You have 60 minutes for this test. There are two tasks or parts to do. You will be given a card with the two tasks – one task on each side of the card. You can make notes or write your plans on the card but it will not be seen by the examiner. You will also be given an answer booklet. You have to write your essays in the answer booklet. Notes are not acceptable and essays under the word limit will be penalized.
How to prepare for IELTS - Writing
Length & Timing
You have to write at least 150 words. You are advised to spend 20 minutes on this task.
Marking
The Tasks
This task tests your ability to perform one or more of the following functions in English: describe and interpret graphic data describe the stages of a process or procedure describe an object or event or sequence of events explain how something works
Task 1
Your performance in Task 1 will be assessed on the criteria below: Task Achievement......

...Preface
This is a self-study publication with two audio-cassettes for students preparing for
the Academic Module of the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS), which is administered by The British Council, the University of Cambridge
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) and by IELTS Australia.
The book covers the four modules of the IELTS exam: listening, reading, writing and
speaking. Special features of the book are: the reading exercises, the detailed Keys
for these exercises, the wide range of exercises to help you prepare for Writing Task
1, and the detailed Key for the Reading Tests.
The publication may also be used as a course book, or as a supplement to a course
book.
So that you may repeat the exercises in this book, we would advise you to avoid
marking the text.
This new edition incorporates the changes to the speaking module introduced in
July 2001.
Sam McCarter, Julie Easton and Judith Ash
2003
Contents
Page
Preface
iii
Acknowledgements
iv
Listening Module
1
Introduction
2
Listening Test 1
3
Listening Test 2
9
Listening Test 3
15
Listening Test 4
20
Reading Exercises
25
Introduction
26
1. How to read, or how to read efficiently?
28
2. Learning to read organisation
29
3. More about reading organisation
30
4. A summary of functions
31
5. Recognising paragraph types
32
6. Simultaneous functions
34
7. Reading control
35
8. Spot......

...Generally asked Speaking Topics for IELTS
1. What is the meaning of your given name?
2. Does your name affect your personality?
3. Tell me something about your hometown.
4. What are the differences in accent between your hometown and (test city)?
5. What is the character of the people like in your hometown?
6. What is people's favourite food in the region where you live?
7. Are there any traditional festivals in your region?
8. Tell me something about a local Festival.
9. How have weddings changed in recent years?
10. Describe a traditional wedding ceremony.
11. How do (Nationals) usually celebrate birthdays?
12. Are there any traditions concerning the birth of a baby?
13. How do you like (test city)? Compare it to your hometown.
14. What place do you like best in (city)?
15. What places in (your city/test city) should a foreigner visit?
16. What places would you recommend a visitor to go to in your region/hometown?
17. If you had the choice, where would you choose to live in (your country)?
18. Which parts of (your country) would you recommend a foreigner to visit?
19. Tell me something about your family.
20. Which is the worst place you've been to in (your country)?
21. Who takes the greatest responsibility for bringing up your child in your family?
22. Which is the best place you've been to in (your country)?
23. Who does most of the household chores in your family?
24. Are the traditional sexual roles within the family......

...IELTS WRITING 1:
A recent report revealed that there is a growing number of people choose to make a baby later in their livelihood, which contribute to a negative impact on society at large. Furthermore, such situation may weaken a sense of household. Therefore, finding out the causes are of great significance.
There are a series of factors applying for this circumstance. The primary one to blame naturally goes to the economic concern. To be specific, nowadays, as our material life make a great forward, not surprisingly, what citizens spend on their children is becoming increasingly expensive, such as skyrocket housing price, high-priced educational cost, or surging goods and services in markets. Thus, the majority of people choose not to have children prematurely and even have children. Consequently, owing to steep costs, not only will adults put less value on raising children, but also the conception of family, like responsibility, unity may vanish step by step.
As much as what has been mentioned above, another factor we should not fail to notice is the government policy. A case in point is a common phenomenon in wealthy nations and regions, government and authority provides financial aid to the elderly and retiree, as a result, these people do not rely on their children to support them in old age. Similarly, in china, it is omnipresent that the late child-birth are encouraged, thus, some spouses intend not to sacrifice their own lifestyles to the time and expenditure......

...can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession. In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one’s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfilment.
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